The relationship between the parasitological prevalence of trypanosomal infections in cattle and herd average packed cell volume

The relationship between prevalence of trypanosomal infections (Trypanosoma congolense) and average packed cell volume (PCV) in herds of communally managed adult Angoni breed cattle was investigated in four districts of eastern Zambia. In all areas, regression analyses showed that the herd average PCV decreased with increasing prevalence of trypanosomal infections. The slope of the equation between average PCV and trypanosome prevalence decreased with increasing prevalence of trypanosomal infections. For the same increase in prevalence of trypanosomal infection, the decrease in herd PCV was higher in the areas with low to medium prevalence. Season of sampling also determined the slope of the regression equation. For the same increase in prevalence of trypanosomal infection, the decrease in herd PCV was higher during the dry compared to the rainy season suggesting that trypanosomosis is less well tolerated during the dry season. Results from the study suggest that the relationship between the prevalence of trypanosomal infections and herd average PCV could be a useful tool in the management of trypanosomosis and planning of its control. Reasons for the spatial and temporal variations in the relationship are discussed.