Sero-epidemilogical survey of dourine T. Equiperdum in Chencha district of southern region

Abstract

The study was conducted in Gamo highland, chencha district with an objective to determine the prevalence rate and associated risk factors of the disease. For this study, four villages were selected with high potential of equine. On clinical examination, there were cases with clinical signs of dourine (oedema on the lower abdomen and swelling of testicles and vagina). 32 horses of adult age were examined. Both parasitological (buffer coat technique) and serological tests were conducted. Out of examined horses, there were no findings for parasitological technique, whereas, 5 were sero-posetive for trypanosome antibodies). The study showed a prevalence rate of 15.6% of the disease in the study area. Major constraints that hampered equine production in the study area other than the diseases were feed shortage and poor veterinary service. A disease with clinical sign of dourine was an outstanding disease affecting equine production and productivity in the study area. Therefore, an awareness creation has to be done for development agents and farmers on clinical signs and means of transmission and options of control and prevention of the disease to control further transmission to equine population.