EPIDEMIOLOGY AND FINANCIAL IMPACTS OF TRYPANOSOMO-SIS ON SMALLHOLDER CATTLE HERDERS IN ARBA MINCH ZURIA DIS

Abstract

A major limitation to cattle production is animal trypanosomosis, which threatens household food security and livelihoods. In addition to halting economic development, the disease has a devastating effect on animal health as well. The study on bovine trypanosomosis is designed to the epidemiological aspects, financial impacts of bovine trypanosomosis on livestock producers’ in Arba Minch zuria district of Gamo zone, Ethiopia, from December 2022 to January 2023.Across-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and assess thedeterimi nants of bovine trypanosomosis.The annual ETB losses to the study district per household was estimated to be 9,528 ± 1,754 ETB (95% CI: 6065 – 12,992) (US$ 176.4) was spent purchasing trypanocidal drugs per year per household as a result of direct use of these drugs.The overall mortality of cattle due to trypanosomosis was 9.3%. A blood sample also showed a 7.8% overall prevalence of the disease in the study area. The disease burden was significantly (p<0.05) high er in the black body coat animals compared to white ones. This study indicated that trypanoso mosis is an important disease and a potential threat to animal health and productivity of cattle in ArbaminchZuria, Southern Ethiopia.So the policeymeakers,professional person, should regularly check the type of trypanocides that circulate in the area.