Susceptibility and immune responses of zebu and taurine cattle of West Africa to infection with Trypanosoma congolense transmitted by Glossina morsitans centralis

Following tsetse-transmitted infection with Trypanosoma congolense, major differences in development of localised skin reactions, the ability to control parasitaemia, the degree of anaemia and in antibody response to trypanosomes were found between the reputedly trypanotolerant breeds of cattle (N'Dama, N'Dama/Baoule crosses, Baoule) and the trypanosusceptible West African Zebu. The local skin reactions that developed in the Zebu were large and severe while those that occurred in the other breeds were smaller and less severe or mild. The timing of appearance of parasitaemia and the height of the first peaks were similar in all the animals, but the Zebu were less able to control subsequent waves of parasitaemia. Possibly reflecting these events, it was only in the Zebu that significant anaemia developed. Neutralizing antibody against homologous metacyclic trypanosomes developed between 14 to 18 days after infection in all breeds of cattle; however, marked differences were found when antibody to trypanosomes derived from first peak parasitaemias were tested in the Zebu and Baoule. Neutralizing antibody against these parasites appeared in the Baoule on day 24 but were not detected in Zebu until day 51. Furthermore, the antibody titres were 3 log2 higher in the Baoule. It was concluded that the trypanotolerance exhibited by the West African taurine cattle might be related to a) their ability to control trypanosome numbers in the skin and in the bloodstream, an outcome that was possibly brought about by the earlier and superior immune response and b) failure to develop anaemia which might be associated with their capacity to control parasitaemia.     

The role of antibody in natural resistance to African trypanosomiasis

The nature and usefulness of trypanoresistance in West African Baoule cattle was studied by exposing animals in areas of high Glossina density. Under such conditions, Zebu and some Baoule died soon with high parasitaemia while resistant Baoule showed little patent parasitemia, almost no anaemia and thrived. Subsequently the role that specific antibody may play in such trypanoresistance was analyzed. In the first instance we examined protective antibody titres during T. congolense infection of inbred mice strains, comparing results obtained in trypanosome-mouse combinations where the host controls parasitemia and survives with those obtained when the host fails to control parasitemia and dies. We then attempted to extend these observations to cattle by following the disease course and appearance of neutralizing antibodies in animals of known sensitivity to natural Glossina challenges, following artificial challenge with T. congolense infected Glossina.     

Studies on the major histocompatibility complex of indigenous cattle in the Ivory Coast

The MHC (BoLA) type has been determined for cattle from three breeds in West Africa. Seventy Baoule, 50 N'Dama and 30 Zebu cattle from the centre and north of the Ivory Coast were tested. Lymphocytes from these cattle were tested in a lymphocytotoxicity test with alloantisera detecting all of the internationally recognised BoLA sera. 78 sera prepared in Edinburgh and 57 in Jouy-en-Josas were used in the study. The results showed that sera prepared in Europe detect similar specificities in West Africa. Although with some specificities the frequencies differ from those seen in Europe. The frequency of null alleles is higher than in Europe in the Ndama and Zebu animals indicating the existence of additional specificities which will require the production of alloantisera in these breeds. However in the Baoule the null allele frequency is lower even then in some European breeds. The population data in which no animals have more than two workshop specificities is consistent with a single locus control in West Africa as in Europe.     

Complement activation and fibrinolysis during infection with Theileria parva (East Coast fever) in cattle

The role played by complement and fibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of pulmonary oedema and the disseminated, subendothelial, petechial haemorrhages in cattle infected with $\text{Theileria parva}$ was investigated. There was a marked reduction in total haemolytic complement in animals that died of this disease whereas the survivors showed only transient changes. The reduction in C3 levels in animals with severe disease, however, was equivalent to that in the survivors. Neither circulating soluble immune complexes nor free antibody against macroschizonts were detected in sera from cattle with severe infection. In addition to the complement changes, high levels of fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) were detected in sera from the infected animals. The rate of production of FDPs and reduction in total haemolytic complement paralleled the clinical course of the disease. It is, therefore, suggested that the pulmonary oedema and disseminated petechial haemorrhages seen in East Coast fever may be the direct result of the combined effects of complement activation and consumption of fibrinogen and fibrin.     

Bovine SLC11A1 3' UTR SSCP genotype evaluated by a macrophage in vitro killing assay employing a Brucella abortus strain

The 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the bovine natural resistance-associated macrophage gene (NRAMP1 or SLC11A1) was genotyped in Colombian Creole Blanco Orejinegro (BON) (Bos taurus) (n = 140) and Zebu Brahman (Bos indicus) (Z) (n = 20) cattle and their crosses (BON x Zebu Brahman [B x Z] [n = 10]; Zebu Brahman x BON [Z x B] [n = 10]), and in animals from a Holstein x BON (H x B) (n = 10) cross. Direct sequencing and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) helped in detecting the polymorphic behaviour. The association between resistance to brucellosis infection and SSCP genotype was evaluated using a macrophage in vitro killing assay employing a virulent Brucella abortus strain. The 3' UTR (GT) repeated polymorphism was gentoyped and its association with resistance to brucellosis was evaluated. When all breeds were grouped, a high frequency in the homozygote GT(12) (AA genotype) (0.823) and a very low frequency in the homozygote GT(10) (BB genotype) (0.047) were detected. The BON (0.963), Z x B (0.60) and H x B (1.00) cattle showed high GT(12) allele frequencies, unlike that seen for the B x Z and Zebu cattle (0.3002 and 0.218, respectively). The GT(10) allele was only found in the Zebu cattle (0.391). A significant association (p < 0.001) was found between the B. abortus macrophage in vitro killing assay phenotypes and the bovine SLC11A1 3' UTR genotypes, which suggests that the A allele may be associated with resistance. Because only nine animals had the BB genotype, the results require some confirmation in more extensive populations.     

The performance of Orma Boran and Maasai Zebu crossbreeds in a trypanosomosis endemic area of Nguruman, south western Kenya

Studies on the trypanotolerance of Orma Boran X Maasai Zebu (Orma Zebu) crossbred cattle (F1 progeny) and pure-bred Maasai Zebu contemporaries were carried out in Nguruman, south western Kenya. The two groups were monitored from birth for a period of 2 years. The incidence of trypanosomosis, parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), body mass and average daily mass gain were monitored. During the study period, overall trypanosomosis incidence was low (3%). The crossbred cattle had a higher incidence of infection (61% vs 39%). The mean PCV and mean mass gain for the crossbred cattle was higher than that of the Maasai Zebu. The mean calf body mass at weaning (8 months) for the Orma Zebu and Maasai Zebu was 72 kg and 64 kg, respectively, while at 18 months of age their mean body mass was 164 kg and 123 kg, respectively. During the rainy season significant differences in average daily mass gains were noted (P < 0.05). The superior mass gain of the Orma Zebu observed during the rainy season, despite higher infection rates, indicate an enhanced trypanotolerance. Moreover, the better performance of the Orma Zebu is an attribute that could be exploited in the adoption of the trypanotolerance genotype, as a sustainable trypanosomosis control strategy.     

The major histocompatibility complex of West African cattle. Typing of lymphocyte antigens (BoLA) of Baoulé cattle (Bos taurus) and Sudanese zebus (Bos indicus) of Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Lymphocyte antigen (BoLA) typing on 247 Baoule cattle (Bos taurus) and 106 Sudanese zebus (Bos indicus), allowed us to determine gene frequencies of 43 class 1 specificities, as international "W" and European "EU", as African local from Kenya "KN" and Burkina Faso "BF". In comparing these frequencies, it appears that some specificities could be considered as significant breed markers for Baoule cattle and zebus.     

Occurrence of concurrent trypanosomosis,theileriosis, anaplasmosis and helminthosis in Friesian,Zebu and Sahiwal cattle in Uganda

An epidemiological investigation was conducted on farms in Tororo and Soroti districts of Uganda from January to February 2000 to determine the cause of reported persistent mortality of cattle. Blood and faecal material of 98 cattle comprising of 33 Friesians, 58 Zebu and 7 Sahiwal were examined. Results revealed that seven (7.1 %) cattle had trypanosome infection, mainly due to Trypanosoma vivax and T. brucei, 17 (17.3%) Fasciola infection, 28 (28.6%) gastrointestinal nematode infection, 33 (33.7%) Theileria sp. infection and 13 (13.3%) Anaplasma marginale infection. Mixed infections were detected in 30%, 20.6% and 43 % of the Friesian, Zebu and Sahiwal cattle respectively. Anaemia (PCV < 25) was detected in 24%, 19% and 14% of the Friesian, Zebu and Sahiwal cattle respectively. Persistent mortality of cattle on these farms could have been due to either single or mixed parasitic infections probably exacerbated by malnutrition.     

The blood volumes and erythrokinetics of Ndama and Zebu cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei.

The responses of susceptible Ndama and Zebu cattle to experimental infection with Trypanosoma brucei were compared using haematological, parasitological and radioisotopic methods. Animals of both breeds became anaemic, but this was more severe in the Zebu cattle, one of which died. Although the prepatent period was the same in animals of both breeds, the levels of the first and subsequent peaks of parasitaemia were higher in the Zebu. The anaemia was due to an accelerated rate of red cell break-down which was more marked in the Zebu cattle. Haemodilution was not a feature. There was no evidence of dyshaemopoiesis but iron reutilisation from degraded erythrocytes was impaired. The greater resistance of the Ndama to T brucei infection could not be attributed to the capacity of this breed to mount a more effective erythropoietic response than the Zebu.     

A Comparative Study on the Oestrous Response to PGF2α Analogue Treatment,and Conception Rates According to Time of Artificial Insemination,in Zebu (Bos indicus) and Baoulé (Bos taurus) Cattle

The oestrous response, interval and conception rates were studied after synchronization with a prostaglandin analogue (cloprostenol) and artificial insemination (AI) performed at different times in 50 Zebu (Bos indicus) and 83 Baoulé (Bos taurus) cattle indigenous to Burkina Faso. The overall proportion of cows responding to synchronization was 70% (93/133). Although the response was higher for the Baoulé cattle, at 73.5% (61/83), than for the Zebu, at 64% (32/50), the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The mean oestrous interval from treatment to the onset of oestrus (TOI) was shorter in the Zebu (54.1 h, SD 6.7) than in Baoulé (65.2 h, SD 12.9) cattle (p<0.001). Of the Zebu (n = 32) that responded, 65.7% presented oestrus over a period of 12 h ranging from 48 h to 60 h after treatment. For the Baoulé cows, the highest proportion of animals in oestrus over a period of 12 h was 41% between 60 h and 72 h after treatment. The frequency distribution of onset of the oestrus indicated that up to 64.5% of the Zebu and 79.5% of the Baoulé cattle showed onset of oestrus during the daytime. For Zebu and Baoulé cows inseminated 13 h or 18 h after the onset of oestrus, conception rates were 56% and 57% (p>0.05) and 33% and 64% (p<0.05), respectively. Based on these findings, it appears that the oestrous response to synchronization was adequate for both Zebu and Baoulé cattle and that the time to onset of oestrus varied according to genotype. It was also concluded that conception rates were satisfactory for both genotypes but that, for Baoulé cattle, AI performed 18 h after oestrus significantly increased conception rates compared to AI at 13 h after oestrus.     

Serum complement component C3 levels in cattle: genetic influence and association with total haemolytic activity

Serum C3 levels and total haemolytic complement (HC) activity were determined simultaneously in young bulls (130 animals, 14 sire families). 3 of the 14 families show considerable deviation in C3 levels and there was significant correlation between G3 and HC.     

Differential Bos taurus cattle response to Babesia bovis infection

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia spp. haemoprotozoans. The disease is of great importance at tick enzootic unstable areas and hampers cattle production in several developing countries. The available immunisation alternatives are pre-immunition and attenuated vaccines. Despite being efficient and protective, they are unsafe as they use cattle blood cells as inoculum and may potentially spread other diseases. Another alternative to help in babesiosis control would be the identification of genetically resistant cattle to Babesia bovis infection. The objective of this work was to phenotype cattle based on primary response against B. bovis infection. Two-hundred and forty half-sib Hereford and Aberdeen Angus heifers (120 animals from each breed), 12-18-month-old na?ve cattle, originated from a tick-free area in Southern Brazil, were used in the experiment. Animals were monitored following an inoculation with 1x10(7)B. bovis parasitised erythrocytes. Results showed three different phenotypes: 1-'susceptible', animals with babesiosis clinical signs that received treatment to avoid death; 2-'intermediate', animals with clinical signs: parasitaemia, >or=21.5% reduction in packed cell volume (PCV) and increase in body temperature when compared to their pre-challenge physiological parameters, no specific treatment was needed as animals self recovered from the disease, and 3-'resistant', animals without clinical signs that showed B. bovis presence in blood smears, <21.5% PCV reductions, with little or no increase in body temperature and no need for babesiosis treatment. The frequencies of each phenotype were: 45.4, 26.7, and 27.9%, respectively, demonstrating the existence of phenotypic variation for B. bovis in Bos taurus cattle.     

Evaluation of an indirect fluorescent antibody test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantification of immunoglobulins in the diagnosis of bovine trypanosomiasis.

An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), a microscale version of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (microELISA) and determination of IgM levels in serum were assessed for their comparative diagnostic value in the detection of bovine trypanosomiasis. Serum samples from drug-treated N'dama cattle and untreated N'dama and Zebu cattle from Liberia were examined for the presence fo antibodies to trypanosomes. In the untreated Zebu cattle, infections with T. vivax predominated and the prevalence of infection was higher than that found in untreated N'damas in which infections with T. congolense predominated. The proportion of animals which showed serological evidence of trypanosomiasis in the untreated Zebus was slightly higher than that found in the untreated N'damas. The prevalence of infection was low in N'dama cattle which had been treated with diminazene aceturate and homidium chloride but 50% of the animals showed serological evidence of trypanosomiasis. More serologically positive animals were detected by microELISA than IFAT, but both tests were equally sensitive in detecting antibodies in cattle in which trypanosomes were demonstrated by examination of peripheral blood. With both IFAT and microELISA it was necessary to carry out tests using antigens prepared from T. brucei, T. vivax and T. congolense in order to detect all serologically positive animals. Increases in serum IgM occurred in both N'dama and Zebu cattle but the levels were raised in only approximately half of the known infected animals. Overall, more animals gave positive reactions with IFAT and microELISA than showed raised IgM levels.     

Comparative Thickness of the Medulla of Bos taurus and Bos indicus Kidneys

Twenty kidneys of 4 years old Bos taurus cattle and 26 kidneys of 2—4 years old Bos indicus (Zebu cattle) of East African Shorthorn breen were examined lobe by lobe after fixation. The cortex and medulla with subunits were measured and compared in the two sub-species. The width of the cortex was about the same in both. The outer and inner stripes of the outer medullary zone were significantly broader in Bos taurus whereas outer inner zone was significantly broader in Bos indicus. The width of the entire medulla was greater in Bos taurus.     

Characterization of breeds of Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle for maternal and individual traits

Angus, Boran and Red Poll sires were mated to Ankole, Boran and small East African Zebu (Zebu) females to produce the cows characterized in this study, which produced calves by Friesian, Brown Swiss, Simmental, Boran and Red Poll sires. Individual traits included cow parturition weight, cow weight at weaning, cow mean weight and cow weight change from parturition to weaning; maternal traits included calf crop born percentage, preweaning viability percentage, overall viability percentage, birth weight, weaning weight, weight at 12, 18 and 24 mo and calf weight weaned per cow exposed to breeding (productivity index). Cows by Angus and Red Poll sires significantly exceeded cows by Boran sires (all cows in this comparison had Ankole and Zebu dams) in weaning weight of progeny and in cow weight at parturition and at weaning. Cows by Red Poll sires significantly exceeded cows by Boran sires in birth weight of progeny. Progeny of cows by Boran sires significantly exceeded progeny of cows by Angus and Red Poll sires in 24-mo weight. Cows by Angus and Red Poll sires did not differ (P greater than .05) in any of the traits analyzed. Cows with Ankole and Boran dams significantly exceeded cows with Zebu dams (all cows in this comparison had Angus and Red Poll sires) in progeny weight at birth, 18 mo and 24 mo and in cow weight at parturition and at weaning. Cows with Boran dams significantly exceeded cows with Zebu dams in weaning and 12-mo weight of progeny and significantly exceeded cows with Ankole dams in weaning weight of progeny. The significantly heavier weaning weight and significantly lighter 24-mo weight of the 3/4 Bos taurus progeny of cows with Angus and Red Poll sires relative to the 1/2 Bos taurus progeny of cows with Boran sires suggest that cattle that are 1/2 Bos taurus breed composition have greater general adaptation than cattle with 3/4 Bos taurus breed composition in the postweaning nutritive and climatic environment under which this experiment was conducted. Significantly heavier weights of Angus and Red Poll crossbred cows relative to Boran crossbred cows (all breeds crossed on Ankole and Zebu cows) indicate that the two Bos taurus breeds exceed the Boran (Bos indicus) breed in additive direct genetic effects for size when they have general adaptation to the environment.     

THE TRANSMISSION OF BABESIA BOVIS IN HERDS OF EUROPEAN AND ZEBU X EUROPEAN CATTLE INFESTED WITH THE TICK, BOOPHILUS MICROPLUS

SUMMARY Transmission of Babesia bovis by the tick Boophilus microplus was studied in 4 breeding herds of European and Zebu x European cattle under different levels of tick infestation. The observations consisted of weekly counts of female ticks on the cattle, monthly serological tests for antibodies to B. bovis, examination of tick larvae from the pasture to determine B. bovis infection rates and comparison of the suitability of paddocks for tick reproduction. The rate of transmission (inoculation rate) was estimated in terms of the daily probability of infection and consisted of the product of the mean daily tick infestation head^-1 and the babesial infection rate in tick larvae. The theoretical value of the minimum inoculation rate required to produce stability of babesiosis is 0.01. This value was exceeded only in a herd of European cattle with minimal tick control and grazing on a pasture favourable for tick reproduction. Instability of babesiosis occurred in the other herds of European cattle after tick numbers had been reduced by pasture spelling and strategic dipping and after reduction in the babesial infection rate in ticks apparently caused by unfavourable environmental conditions. Over a period of years, the tick infection rates also declined as a consequence of the reduction in numbers of ticks. The Zebu x European cattle failed to generate inoculation rates greater than the minimum level, even though no tick control measures were applied. This was attributed to lower babesial infection rates in the ticks than those observed in a comparable herd of European cattle and to the high tick resistance of the Zebu crosses which maintained the tick populations at low levels. Both factors combined to produce a low inoculation rate.     

Comparative studies on N''Dama and zebu cattle following repeated infections with Trypanosoma congolense

Twenty N'Dama and eight zebu cattle were inoculated intradermally with bloodstream forms of a cloned strain of Trypanosoma congolense originating from East Africa. All inoculated cattle became parasitaemic. Zebus showed consistently higher levels of parasitaemia and lower packed red cell volume (PCV) percentages than did N'Damas. Three of the eight zebus required treatment when high numbers of trypanosomes were present in the blood and PCV values dropped below 15 per cent. None of the N'Dama cattle needed treatment. Statistical analysis was performed on the data to assess the variability of parasitaemia and PCV levels before and during infection of the N'Dama cattle. The variation in PCV values was large between individuals during the early stages of the disease and diminished as infection continued. After trypanocidal drug treatment and a recovery period of 14 months, the same animals were inoculated intradermally with T congolense bloodstream forms isolated and cloned in The Gambia. Differences in susceptibility to the ensuing disease were apparent when comparing N'Dama and zebu cattle. Five zebu cattle needed trypanocidal drug treatment, while none of the N'Damas needed drug intervention. Ranking the 20 infected N'Damas according to average PCV levels revealed that the animals responded similarly to both infections.     

Frequency of bovine Nramp1 (Slc11a1) alleles in Holstein and Zebu breeds

Natural resistance against brucellosis in cattle is linked to the Nramp1 gene, which encodes a divalent cation transporter that localizes in the phagolysosome membrane in macrophages. Nramp1 gene in mouse plays a critical role in innate immunity favoring bacterial killing by macrophages in addition to its influence on adaptative immunity. Polymorphisms at the bovine Nramp1 3' untranslated region (3'UTR), detectable by Single Strand Conformational Analysis (SSCA), are associated with natural resistance against brucellosis. Such polymorphisms are associated with variation in the number of GT repeats. This study compared the frequency of Nramp1 3'UTR polymorphisms between Zebu and European bovine breeds. Eighty-one Holsteins (Bos taurus taurus) and 167 Zebu (Bos taurus indicus), including the following breeds: Nelore (n=95), Guzerá (n=37), and Gir (n=35), totaling 248 pure breed cattle studied. DNA extraction was performed using the guanidium protocol and genotyping was performed by SSCA. DNA from cattle considered genotypically resistant to brucellosis resulted in a single band (homozygous) with 175bp, corresponding to the 3'UTR with 13 GT pairs (GT13), whereas DNA from genotypically susceptible cattle generated one single band with 177bp (homozygous GT14) or double bands with both 175 and 177bp, or 175 and 179bp (heterozygous GT13/GT14 or GT13/GT15, respectively). A marked difference in the frequency of alleles was detected between the Zebu and Holstein cattle. Holsteins had an extremely homogeneous genotype, with 100% of the individuals with a GT13 genotype. In sharp contrast the Nelore breed had the most heterogeneous genotype with four allelic combinations, namely, homozygous GT13, homozygous GT14, heterozygous GT13/GT14, and heterozygous GT13/GT15. When the Zebu breeds were compared to each other, the only significant difference observed was the frequencies of the genotypes GT13 and GT14 between the Nelore and Guzerá breeds. The knowledge of allelic frequencies in different breeds of cattle may prove to be very useful in the future for planning breeding strategies for selection of resistant cattle.     

Identification of a target population for immunisation against East Coast fever in coastal Kenya

Two experiments were carried out to identify the target population of cattle for immunisation against East Coast fever (ECF) using the infection-and-treatment method. Firstly, a sentinel-calf study was used to determine the age window for ECF immunisation by determining ages at clinical detection of infection with Theileria parva. Six groups of five naive cross-bred (Bos taurus/Bos indicus) male calves, introduced at intervals of 2 months at a mean age of 26 days, were exposed to natural tick challenge on a high ECF-risk, small-holder farm in the coastal lowland, coconut-cassava agro-ecological zone of coastal Kenya. Secondly, a challenge study evaluated the relationship between the presence of T. parva antibodies and immunity. Ten indigenous adult Zebu cattle and nine Zebu young stock purchased from farmers in the same zone, and eight cross-bred calves (survivors of the sentinel-calf study) were challenged with 10 times the immunising dose of T. parva Marikebuni stock. Twenty-four of these 27 cattle had high antibody titres before challenge. Two cross-bred calves, obtained from an ECF-free area and seronegative to T. parva schizont antigen, also were challenged and used as susceptible controls. Twenty-five (83%) of the 30 sentinel calves contracted ECF over an age range of 36-116 days (mean 72 days). The remaining five calves died of other causes within 2 months of arrival on the farm. Fourteen of the 25 calves survived the infection and developed antibodies to T. parva. Despite tick control, seven of these 14 calves had a second episode of ECF and two died. In total, 13 of the 25 calves that contracted ECF died. Only one of 19 indigenous Zebu animals developed clinical ECF when challenged with T. parva Marikebuni (mild clinical signs with spontaneous recovery). Of the eight cross-bred survivors from the first experiment, only one succumbed to ECF when challenged and it died. Both susceptible cross-bred calves developed severe clinical signs of ECF and one died. The experimental studies show that in the high ECF-risk areas of the coconut-cassava zone of coastal Kenya, immunisation against ECF in cross-bred (B. taurus/B. indicus) cattle should be targeted at an early age (preferably within 1-2 months of birth).     

Trypanosomiasis challenge estimation using the diminazene aceturate (Berenil) index in Zebu in Gabon

A longitudinal study was conducted within a cattle ranch in Gabon to determine the diminazene aceturate (Berenil) index (DAI) in a group of Zebu, raised under low tsetse density; this measure providing an assessment of trypanosomiasis risk. The objective was to evaluate the trypanosomiasis pressure thus informing trypanosomiasis control methods and cattle management. Twenty female adult Zebu were monitored for 24 weeks during the dry season. Blood samples were collected on a weekly basis and subjected to parasitological and haematological analysis (n?=?480), using the buffy-coat method and the packed cell volume value (PCV), respectively, infected animals were treated with a single intramuscular injection of diminazene aceturate (8 mg/kg). Twenty-nine single infectious events were recorded and a DAI of 1.45 was calculated. Two trypanosome species were identified: Trypanosoma congolense (96.2%) and Trypanosoma vivax (3.8%). The mean PCV value of the infected animals was lower (26.6) compared to non-infected animals (32.0). This study shows that DAI may be a useful tool to assess trypanosomiasis. However, this is a time-consuming method that may be improved by using randomly selected sentinel animals to adapt the chemoprophylactic schemes, hence decreasing the costs and the drug resistance risk.