Susceptibility of indigenous beef cattle breeds of pastoral farms in the North West Region of Cameroon to natural trypanosome challenge

Abstract: There is paucity of documentation on susceptibility of indigenous beef cattle of pastoral farms in the administrative divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon to trypanosomiasis. A survey was carried out in seven divisions namely Boyo, Bui, Donga-Mantung, Menchum, Mezam, Momo and Ngoketunja during the transhumance period when the cattle move to pasture of communal grazing grounds in the dry season. Indigenous beef cattle breeds of pastoralist farms were identified and their susceptibility to trypanosomiasis was assessed. Blood samples from the cattle brought for slaughter to the Bamenda Municipal Abattoir during the period of study were screened and laboratory results and responses to questionnaires by pastoralists, butchers and animal health service providers were collated and analyzed. Results showed that the main breeds of indigenous beef cattle found in all the seven divisions in the North West Region are Gudali, red Fulani, white Fulani and their crosses. The overall susceptibility of cattle to trypanosomiasis in the region was 28.1% and the prevalence of individual trypanosome species identified was Trypanosoma congolense (16.7.0%), T. vivax (6.7%) and T. brucei (4.7%). Fulani cattle were more susceptible than Gudali cattle. Biting flies were identified as Glossina spp (83.3%), Tabanus spp (10%) and Stomoxys spp (6.7%). It was concluded that indigenous beef cattle of the North West Region of Cameroon are highly susceptible to trypanosomiasis which affects their productivity.

Keywords: Gudali, Fulani, Bovine, Trypanosomiasis, Susceptibility, Cameroon