Incidence of trypanosomes among White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali Breeds of cattle in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The incidence of trypanosomes was investigated among cattle herds of white Fulani and Sokoto Gudali breeds in six out of twenty five local government areas of Niger state within a period of six months covering May- October 2007. Blood samples from 300 heads of cattle selected randomly from Fulani herds were screened for trypanosomes using a thin blood smear and haematocrit centrifugation technique at the state veterinary centre, Bosso, Minna. The results revealed that the White Fulani breeds of cattle had higher incidence of trypanosomes compared to Sokoto Gudali breeds of cattle representing 38.2% and 28.3% for white Fulani and Sokoto Gudali breeds respectively with an average incidence of 6.3% . It’s clearly evident that the study area is endemic for trypanosomosis as such, effective control programmes by way of prophylactic treatment is recommended