ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 677–684
DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140677
Article Type: Full Length Research Paper
Title: Seroepidemiology of tsetse-transmitted bovine trypanosomiasis and its correlation with herd productivity parameters in the cotton belt of northern Benin
Names of Authors: Gisèle S. Houndonougbo¹, Sébastien M. Chabi¹, Koffi J. Attindehou²
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin. ²Laboratoire National d'Appui au Développement Agricole, Unité de Parasitologie Vétérinaire, Parakou, Benin.
Abstract: African animal trypanosomiasis is a major constraint to livestock development, reducing meat and milk yields across sub-Saharan savannas. This epidemiological survey assessed the seroprevalence and production impacts of bovine trypanosomiasis among 760 indigenous Borgou cattle in the cotton-growing belt of northern Benin. Blood samples were evaluated using a card agglutination test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) targeting antibodies against Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma conglense. Microscopic buffy coat examinations were also performed to detect active parasitaemia. The overall seroprevalence was 38.4 percent (n = 292), while active parasitaemia was detected in 11.5 percent (n = 88) of the cattle. Trypanosoma vivax was the predominant species, accounting for 68.2 percent of active infections. Herd-level production analysis revealed that high seroprevalence was significantly associated with a 14.8 percent reduction in monthly milk production and lower calving rates (P < 0.01). Packed cell volume profiling demonstrated severe subclinical anaemia (mean packed cell volume = 22.4 percent ± 3.1 percent) in seropositive animals compared to seronegative ones (mean packed cell volume = 31.5 percent ± 2.8 percent, P < 0.001). Multivariate modeling identified proximity to protected forest reserves (odds ratio = 4.12, 95 percent confidence interval [2.45 to 6.94]) and irregular vector control practices as key risk factors. These findings demonstrate that animal trypanosomiasis remains an endemic burden in northern Benin, requiring integrated vector control and systematic veterinary interventions.
Keywords: Bovine trypanosomiasis, Trypanosoma vivax, Seroprevalence, Herd productivity, Packed cell volume, Benin
Manuscript Timeline: Received: 22 June 2026; Revised: 20 July 2026; Accepted: 08 August 2026; Published: 30 August 2026
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