Epidemiology of Bovine Trypanosomiasis in Abe Dongoro District, Western Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims Bovine trypanosomosis is a major protozoan disease constraining cattle productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa. This cross‐sectional study is aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine trypanosomosis in the Abe Dongoro district, Western Ethiopia. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted between June 2023 and October 2023. A total of 520 randomly selected indigenous cattle were examined using buffy coat and Giemsa‐stain thin smear techniques for parasitological and hematological analysis. Packed cell volume (PCV) was measured to assess anemia. Data were analyzed using chi‐square tests, independent t ‐tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomes was 20.96% (109/520; 95% CI:17.6–24.7). T. congolense was the predominant species (39.45%; 95% CI: 30.8–48.7), followed by T. vivax (24.77%; 95% CI: 17.8–33.3), T. brucei (22.02%; 95% CI: 15.1–30.8), and mixed infections (13.6%; 95% CI: 8.3–21.6). The prevalence was significantly higher in cattle with a poor body condition (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.82–5.34; p < 0.001), of adult age (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.06–3.29; p = 0.041), and with a black coat color (AOR = 8.94; 95% CI: 4.78–16.72; p < 0.001). Anemia (PCV < 24) was present in 21.54% (112/520) of cattle, with parasitemic animals showing significantly lower mean PCV (mean difference = 6.5 percentage points; t = −20.55; p < 0.001). Conclusion Bovine trypanosomiasis remains a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in the Abe Dongoro district, highlighting the need for sustained vector control, routine screening, and integrated disease management strategies.