P. Van Den Bossche et Gj. Rowlands, The relationship between the parasitological prevalence of trypanosomal infections in cattle and herd average packed cell volume, ACT TROP, 78(2), 2001, pp. 163-170
The relationship between prevalence of trypanosomal infections (Trypanosoma
congolense) and average packed cell volume (PCV) in herds of communally ma
naged adult Angoni breed cattle was investigated in four districts of easte
rn Zambia. In all areas, regression analyses showed that the herd average P
CV decreased with increasing prevalence of trypanosomal infections. The slo
pe of the equation between average PCV and trypanosome prevalence decreased
with increasing prevalence of trypanosomal infections. For the same increa
se in prevalence of trypanosomal infection, the decrease in herd PCV was hi
gher in the areas with low to medium prevalence. Season of sampling also de
termined the slope of the regression equation. For the same increase in pre
valence of trypanosomal infection. the decrease in herd PCV was higher duri
ng the dry compared to the rainy season suggesting that trypanosomosis is l
ess well tolerated during the dry season. Results from the study suggest th
at the relationship between the prevalence of trypanosomal infections and h
erd average PCV could be a useful tool in the management of trypanosomosis
and planning of its control. Reasons for the spatial and temporal variation
s in the relationship are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig
hts reserved.