Camel trypanosomosis in the Canary islands: assessment of seroprevalence and infection rates using the card agglutination test (CATT/T-evansi) and parasite detection tests

Trypanosomosis due to Trypanosoma evansi (surra) is a major enzootic diseas e of the dromedary camel. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to ass ess seroprevalence and infection rates in the Canary Islands using antibody (-card agglutination test-CATT/T. evansi) and parasite detection tests (mic ro-Haematocrit Centrifugation technique, Giemsa stained blood smears, micro scopic examination of lymph node aspirates and mouse inoculation). PCV was also determined. 745 dromedary camels (483 females and 262 males) were exam ined. Trypanosomes were detected in seven animals. 36 animals yielded CATT positive results while 709 animals were negative. All parasitologically pos itive animals were also CATT positive. Results showed a good correlation be tween CATT positive and low PCV and a higher seroprevalence in older animal s. Trypanocidal drugs have not been registered in Spain and, consequently, if vigilance is not exercised the prevalence could be increased in the futu re. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.