Tsetse, trypanosomiasis and cattle raising in southern Anambra state, Nigeria

Observations on flourishing resident herds and trade cattle within the Awka Zone in northern fringes of the rain forest belt of Anambra State, Nigeria, prompted this current study on the status of trypanosomiasis and tsetse distribution in the zone. Parts of the greater Mamu forest reserve and seven other forest patches covering 800 km2 were studied. Except for two small forests others were infested with Glossina palpalis palpalis. 84 flies were captured, out of which one had mature Trypanosoma vivax infection. 443 cattle were examined in two slaughterhouses for trypanosomes. Only four of them had parasites that were identified morphologically as T. vivax. Deforestation due to industrialisation and development of the hinterland could contribute to lowered intensity of infection in an area originally thought very hazardous for livestock keeping. (author)