Trypanosome Infection in Cattle and Associated Vectors in Etang District of Gambella, Ethiopia.

Background: Bovine trypanosomosis produces significant economic losses due to anemia, loss of body condition, and emaciation. The disease is transmitted biologically by tsetse flies and mechanically by biting flies such as Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed from November 2016 to April 2017 for the prevalence and entomological survey. Trypanosoma species were identified using buffy coat and Giemsa staining techniques. Besides, the entomological surveys were conducted using NGU, pyramidal, biconical, and monoconical traps. The vectors were identified to their genus level based on their morphological features like size, color, wing venation, and proboscis. Result: A total of 457 bovine blood samples were collected and tested, of these 16 (3.50%) animals were positive for trypanosomosis. Similarly, 13 Conclusion: This study confirmed that trypanosomosis and abundant mechanical vectors continue to be problems in the study area, resulting in cattle productivity losses. As a result, strategic management and prevention methods for trypanosomosis and associated vectors should be prioritized. Further investigation of vector needs to be conducted to clear out tsetse presence.