Trypanosomosis in the Doayo/Namchi (Bos taurus) and zebu White Fulani (Bos indicus) cattle in Faro Division, North Cameroon

Objective: To determine infection rates and assess the impact of trypanosomosis on livestock production in Cameroon. Methodology and results: A total of 296 Namchi/Doayo (Bos taurus) and White Fulani zebu (Bos indicus) cattle sampled in 26 villages within Faro Division, North Cameroon were examined by the Dark ground/phase contrast buffy-coat technique for trypanosome infections. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and trypanosome parasitaemia levels were also measured. Ongoing trypanosome infections were detected in 14.3% of all animals examined. The infection rate was higher in Doayo (16.4%) than white Fulani (11.9%) cattle but this difference was not significant (P>0.05). Trypanosome parasitaemia was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the age, sex or breed of animal. T. congolense was the most frequently encountered trypanosome species, closely followed by T. brucei, Sertaria sp., T. vivax and mixed infections, in that order. The packed cell volume (PCV) was higher in Doayo than White Fulani cattle (P 0.05). Conclusion and application of findings: The study detected a significant carrier status of trypanosomosis in the Doayo cattle, which constitutes an important epizootiological risk for the more susceptible zebu type cattle and other animal species. These findings will be useful in the programming of future trypanosomosis control campaigns in the region.