Short Communication SEROLOGICAL DETECTION OF TRYPANOSOMA EVANSI IN SMALL RUMINANTS AT DODOLA AND ASSASSA DISTRICTS OF ARSI-BALE HIGH LANDS OF ETHIOPIA

The study was conducted in two districts of Oromiya regional state in Arsi-Bale highlands. The data were collected on the occurrence of T.evansi infection in sheep and goats. The disease has been detected by two serological tests (CATT and LATEX) and antibodies were demonstrated against T.evansi at least in one of the examined animals in two districts: Dodolla (Danaba, Wabe, Tulualewanso and Ganata) and Assassa (Bucho and Beyema kerensa). Blood samples from 55 goats and 96 sheep were collected randomly and animals considered in this study were sexually mature adults of varying ages living under traditional management systems of free grazing. Among the small ruminants examined, 52 (34.4%) were positive by CATT/ T.evansi test and 7(4.6%) were positive by LATEX/ T.evansi test. Out of 55 goats 18(32.7%) were positive for T.evansi by CATT/T. evansi test and 2(3.6%) were positive by LATEX/ T.evansi test and out of 96 sheep 34(35.4%) were positive by CATT/T.evansi test and 5(5.2%) were positive by LATEX/T.evansi test. Statistical analysis of the rate of infection on the basis of species and districts showed significant difference (p<0.05) by CATT test but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) by LATEX test. The study revealed that small ruminant T.evansi infection follows sub clinical course and shoats are potential reservoirs endangering other animals.