Surveillance of Bovine Trypanosomiasis in the Peri-urban Zone of Bamako as a Prelude to Eradicate the Disease in the Basin of River Niger Mali

Introduction: African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a haemoparasitic disease that considerably hampers socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa. One way to counter this scourge is through vector control and treatment.

Objective: This study aims to help breeders in the study zone to control AAT.

Location and Duration of the Study: About three-year longitudinal follow-up was conducted in seven municipalities around Bamako city (Mande, Kalaban coro, Sanankoroba, Kati, Tienfala, Baguinéda, and Koulikoro) in district Bamako from March 2007 to December 2009.

Methodology: Thirty to fifty heads of cattle were randomly selected in each municipality, and depending on herd size, 5 to 10 heads of cattle were selected from each herd for examination. For each run, all animals diagnosed with Trypanosoma spp. positivity were systematically treated.

Results: A total of 7,622 blood samples from 312 cattle of different breeds (Peulh zebus, Metis, and Mereas predominant breeds) were collected and examined. A total of 106 animals were found infected with two Trypanosoma species (T. vivax, 99% and T. congolense, 1%). Prevalence was significantly (P<0.05) variable not only by breed (78.25% for zebu and nil for N'Dama) but also by year (4.47%, 0.53% and 0.1% in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively). Variability was also observed according to locality. However, this did not vary according to the sex of animal (P= 0.07). A total of 1691 doses of trypanocidal products were administered to infected animals.

Conclusion: As a result of treatment, the incidence and prevalence of the disease has decreased considerably. However, the risk of disease transmission remains, as biological and mechanical vectors are omnipresent in the area. Besides, seasonal animal movements are also a risk factor. Study suggests regular monitoring, vector management and trypanocidal treatment to reduce the disease incidence and improve livestock productivity.