Prevalence of trypanosomosis in horses of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

A total sum of 136 blood samples of horses were collected from various location and organized farms of Nasik, Baramati, Pachgani, Mahabaleshwar and Maharashtra Police Academy, Nasik. All the samples were screened by microscopic examinations for prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. and further confirmed by PCR. Out of 116 samples 12 samples (10.34%) were found to be positive by microscopic examinations and 4 samples were further confirmed as Trypanosoma evansi by PCR. For PCR assay primers targeting Variable Surface Glucoprotein (VSG) gene having amplicon size of 400 base pair were used. The prevalence of Trypanosomosis was recorded highest in age group 2-18 years (10.71%) while, lower prevalence was recorded in the age group 0-12 months age (5.26%). For 1-2 years age group, and 18 years age group, the prevalence was recorded as 8.57% and 7.69% respectively. The incidence of Trypanosomosis was recorded highest in Marwari breed (14.28%), followed by Non-descript (9.37%) Spiti (7.69%), Kathiyawadi (6.89%) and Thorough breeds (3.70%).