TRYPANOSOMA VIVAX IN BOVINE: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Trypanosoma (Duttonella) vivax is a flagellate protozoan responsible for numerous economic losses in cattle, causing high morbidity and mortality in the herd. The course of infection varies between strains of parasites isolated from Trypanosoma vivax, as well as the species and races affected. Cattle can be asymptomatic, as well as showing clinical signs such as anemia, leukopenia, progressive weakness, weight loss, tearing, reproductive problems and a high rate of abortions, even involvement of the nervous system. Trypanosomiasis was introduced in South America by the importation of cattle from the African continent, probably at the end of the 19th century. It was diagnosed in Brazil for the first time in the State of Pará in 1972. It is highly prevalent in the North and Central regions of Brazil, its transmission occurs through the bite of hematophagous insects, mainly tabanids, such as horseflies (Tabanus spp.), stables (Stomoxys calcitrans), tsetse fly or by iatrogenic means. Trypanosomiasis has been reported throughout the country through outbreaks, causing great damage to livestock farmers. The aim of this study is to report a case of trypanosomiasis in a calf that occurred on a farm in the municipality of Pacarana in the state of Rondônia, the herd consisting of zebu cattle, addressing the clinical, pathological, treatment and control aspects of the disease in the study, thus contributing for academic and professional information and for rural producers.