Camel Trypanosomosis in Yabelo and Gomole Districts in Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Based on Parasitological Examinations

BACKGROUND: Trypanosomosis is the most prevalent disease and causes serious economic losses in Ethiopia. The disease is among the major constraint to camel production in the country. Hence, this study aimed to determine the occurrence and associated risk factors of camel trypanosomosis in the Borana zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 using parasitological techniques in the Yabelo and Gomole districts of the Borana zone. A total of 384 camels were randomly selected and tested using wet blood film (thin) and the Giemsa-stained technique. The packed cell volume (PCV) of sampled camels was recorded using a hematocrit reader. RESULTS: An overall 3.91% prevalence of camel trypanosomosis was observed in study areas. Trypanosoma-infected camel had significant (P=0.0001) lower mean PCV (20.73±1.91) than non-infected camel (27.07±4.35). The current study showed body condition of camel (OR=6.8, 95% CI: 1.44–31.83) and season (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.04–9.07) as risk factors for the occurrence of camel trypanosomosis. However, the sex, age, and origin (district) of camel did not affect the occurrence of camel trypanosomosis in the study areas. CONCLUSION: Camel trypanosomosis impeded camel production in the study areas. Therefore, control and prevent methods considering seasonality, different ecology is necessary to design and implement. Moreover, a further study involving more sensitive molecular techniques should be conducted on camel trypanosomosis and their vectors.