Abstract
Animal trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, is a major constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. The disease, primarily transmitted by tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), leads to anemia, weight loss, reduced milk and meat production, infertility, and mortality in affected animals, causing significant socio-economic losses. In Ethiopia, tsetse flies are concentrated in the southwestern and western regions, with key species including G. pallidipes, G. morsitans submorsitans, G. fuscipes fuscipes, and G. tachinoides. The main causative trypanosome species are T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. brucei, with T. vivax capable of mechanical transmission by other biting flies, expanding its distribution.
Increasing resistance to trypanocidal drugs, particularly Diminazene aceturate and Isometamidium chloride, has been reported in several regions, driven by substandard drugs, frequent unsupervised use, and weak veterinary infrastructure. Resistance compromises treatment efficacy, exacerbates production losses, and threatens the sustainability of control programs. Effective mitigation requires integrated strategies, including vector control, prudent and supervised chemotherapy, monitoring of drug efficacy and resistance, farmer education, and research into new drugs and alternative therapies. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, veterinary services, and community participation are essential to reduce disease burden and sustain livestock productivity in tsetse-affected areas.
Keywords
Animal trypanosomiasis, Bovine trypanosomosis, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma brucei, Tsetse flies, Glossina spp., Drug resistance, Ethiopia, Vector control, Livestock production