author(s)
Mekonnen Golessa and Negesse Mekonnen

abstract
Trypanosomosis is one of the major obstacles to livestock development and agricultural production in Ethiopia. The disease is transmitted by the bit of Glossina species and other biting flies. A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the density and diversity of vectors and also the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis from January, 2016 to May, 2016. The study was conducted in five kebeles of the Oda Buldigilu district of Benishangul Gumuze regional state, Western Ethiopia. Standard methods of sampling and identification were employed for both entomological and parasitological examination. One spe­cies of the genus Glossina (Glossina morsitans submorsitans) and three genera of biting flies (Stomox­ys, Tabanus and Haematopota) were caught and identified. The overall apparent density of flies caught was 226(2.05) flies per trap per day), of which 67 (0.61 flies per trap per day) was Glossina species. Out of a total 395 cattle examined, 47 (11.89%; 95% CI: 8.88-15.51%) were found infected with trypanosomes. Three species of trypanosome were detected in the study area namely T. congolense 26(55.31%), T. vivax 18(38.29%), T. bru­cei 1(1.12%) and 2(4.28%) mixed infection. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was significantly affected by origin (PA’S), body condition score and PCV (P<0.05). Trypanosomosis significantly affected the status of anemia or packed cell volume (P<0.05). The mean PCV of parasitemic animals were significantly lower than that of aparasitemic ones (P<0.05). The relative abundance of Glossina species caught and trypanosome detected confirmed the continuous challenge of the disease in the areas. We recommend to reinforce community based vector and parasite control or prevention strategy in the study area.