An investigation on Glossina species and the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle in Meatu district, Tanzania

A cross-sectional study which sought to identify Glossina species and the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle of Meatu district where sleeping sickness cases have been reported in villages that border protected wildlife parks, was carried out. Four phenols and acetone baited tsetse traps (NGU, NZI, S3 and Biconical) were used in the study and showed that three Glossina species occurs in the area namely Glossina pallidipes, Glossina swynnertoni and Glossina morsitans. G. pallidipes was the most prevalent species. Four hundred and twenty four (424) blood samples were collected from cattle and subjected to parasitological and hematological analysis. Analysis by microscopic and buffy coat showed an overall prevalence of animal trypanosomosis (AT) of 2.36% (n=10). Identified trypanosome species were Trypanosoma congolense (7/10) and Trypanosoma vivax (3/10). No mixed infection was identified. The packed cell volume (PCV) for hematological analysis revealed a prevalence of anemia of 8.25%. No statistical evidence implicated animal trypanosomosis as the cause of anemia. Identification of trypanosomes in screened animals implicate AT as a threat to cattle and other domestic and wild animals since the identified trypanosome species affect a wide range of animals. Tsetse control and proper treatment of livestock should be advocated to control the disease. Key words: Glossina, animal trypanosomosis, sleeping sickness, Tanzania.