Prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi in Camels slaughtered at Sokoto metropolitan abattoir

Abstract

Blood samples collected from one hundred camel of between 5-20 years of age comprising of males and females presented for slaughter at Sokoto metropolitan abattoir were examined for presence of Trypanasoma evansi, and examined using blood procedures such as wet blood smear, thin blood, thick blood smear and buffy coat film. The blood was collected by venous puncture and blood collected into EDTA bottles. Analysis of the blood sample collected was carried out in the laboratory techniques mention above. Nine (9) samples were found to be positive, as such the camels brought for slaughter in Sokoto metropolitan abattoir showed a very low prevalence of Trypanasoma evansi. Despite the low prevalence there is need to carry out further research in order to establish the true prevalence of the disease using more current methods of diagnosis especially the molecular form of diagnosis as this will aid in effective way of controlling the diseases.