Authors

Discussion

Rainforest zone of Nigeria has become settlement for pastoralists because of its market advantage despite fly abundance. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors from livestock owners sense of proportion. Participatory rural appraisal was conducted with 209 livestock owners (households) in 10 locations to determine the practices of animal husbandary, knowledge and attitude to bovine trypanosomosis. Disease peaks were reported to be between March – August. A total of 70.8% (CI: 64.32 – 76.56%) owners perceived trypanosomosis as a major disease, 13.4% (CI: 9.43 – 18.68%) practised transhumance in wet season, 93.9% (CI: 88.58 – 96.92%) use trypanocides and approximately US$ 8.4 million is spent annually on trypanocides in the zone. About 60.5% (CI: 51.84 – 68.48) make use of insecticides against transmitting vectors and only 1.9% (CI: 0.75 – 4.82%) have ever heard of any form of government intervention scheme (which existed three decades previously). Estimated losses ≥ US$ 426 (80 – 100% loss) can be incurred on a single animal depending on the size and market value. There is significant increase (16.2%, CI: 11.15 – 23.00%, P < 0.05) in the mortality rate of bovine trypanosomosis when compared to other livestock diseases. It is therefore necessary to strategically consider integrated measures of combating the disease with modifications since the livestock keepers have wrong approach in managing the disease.