A Survey of Diseases of Small Ruminants in the Eastern Zone of Tanzania

Abstract

Smallholder agro-pastoral livestock farmers from three villages within different agro-ecological zones in Eastern Tanzania were interviewed and their small ruminants subsequently surveyed for various important health problems. Faecal, serum and blood smear samples were collected from small ruminants and analysed in the laboratory. Eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were detected throughout the year with highest EPGs in May for Mandamazingara and Msingisi and in March for Langali. Faecal culture revealed the following larvae (L3) in decreasing order of prevalence; Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum, Strongyloides and Cooperia. Haemonchus being the most predominant contributed to more than 44% of the larvae in all the three villages. Latex agglutination test detected 53% positive cases of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) (n = 120) in Msingisi village. Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax were detected in goats in Mandamazingara and the parasitaemia was observed in March. Similarly, Babesia organisms were detected only in Mandamazingara with the highest counts in March. Anaplasma were detected in all the three villages with high counts in March and September. Theileria ovis was detected in all three villages during March and July. Anthelmintics and chemoprophylaxis using anti-trypanosomal drugs were administered to bucks and rams, which were introduced to the villages by the project. Animals with EPG>1000 were treated with anthelmintic. Farmers were advised on the appropriate control measures for diseases found in their animals and when necessary treatments were conducted by trained extension staff.