Bovine trypanosomosis remains one of the most economically important livestock diseases in Ethiopia, particularly in tsetse-infested areas of Abeshige District. Despite long-standing national and regional control programs, limited information exists on farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this region information essential for designing community-driven interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to November 2025 in five randomly selected kebeles of Abeshige District. A total of 250 livestock-owning households were selected through systematic random sampling. Data on farmers’ awareness, attitudes, and management practices were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied, and findings were summarized using tables and figures. Farmers recognized bovine trypanosomosis as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle. Most respondents (66%) correctly identified tsetse flies (Glossina species) as the principal vector. Frequently reported clinical signs included weight loss, rough hair coat, coughing, and lacrimation. Trypanosomosis was widely perceived as more prevalent during the rainy season due to increased tsetse fly density. Although 97% of respondents acknowledged the disease as a major threat, only 28% were aware of ongoing tsetse control programs. Chemical sprays, pour-on insecticides, and trypanocidal drugs primarily Diminazene aceturate and Isometamidium chloride were commonly used for prevention and treatment. Despite relatively high awareness of trypanosomosis and its clinical manifestation, participation in formal tsetse control programs remains low. Strengthening community engagement, enhancing veterinary service delivery, and improving extension based awareness efforts are recommended for achieving sustainable disease control.
| Published in | Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 1) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13 |
| Page(s) | 17-24 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Bovine Trypanosomosis, Farmers’ Knowledge, Practices, Tsetse Fly, Abeshige District, Ethiopia
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APA Style
Selman, A. M. (2026). Assessment of Farmers' Knowledge and Practices on Bovine Trypanosomosis in Abeshige District, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 14(1), 17-24. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13
ACS Style
Selman, A. M. Assessment of Farmers' Knowledge and Practices on Bovine Trypanosomosis in Abeshige District, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 17-24. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13
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Download@article{10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13,
author = {Amir Mohammed Selman},
title = {Assessment of Farmers' Knowledge and Practices on Bovine Trypanosomosis in Abeshige District, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia},
journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {17-24},
doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20261401.13},
abstract = {Bovine trypanosomosis remains one of the most economically important livestock diseases in Ethiopia, particularly in tsetse-infested areas of Abeshige District. Despite long-standing national and regional control programs, limited information exists on farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this region information essential for designing community-driven interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to November 2025 in five randomly selected kebeles of Abeshige District. A total of 250 livestock-owning households were selected through systematic random sampling. Data on farmers’ awareness, attitudes, and management practices were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied, and findings were summarized using tables and figures. Farmers recognized bovine trypanosomosis as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle. Most respondents (66%) correctly identified tsetse flies (Glossina species) as the principal vector. Frequently reported clinical signs included weight loss, rough hair coat, coughing, and lacrimation. Trypanosomosis was widely perceived as more prevalent during the rainy season due to increased tsetse fly density. Although 97% of respondents acknowledged the disease as a major threat, only 28% were aware of ongoing tsetse control programs. Chemical sprays, pour-on insecticides, and trypanocidal drugs primarily Diminazene aceturate and Isometamidium chloride were commonly used for prevention and treatment. Despite relatively high awareness of trypanosomosis and its clinical manifestation, participation in formal tsetse control programs remains low. Strengthening community engagement, enhancing veterinary service delivery, and improving extension based awareness efforts are recommended for achieving sustainable disease control.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Assessment of Farmers' Knowledge and Practices on Bovine Trypanosomosis in Abeshige District, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia AU - Amir Mohammed Selman Y1 - 2026/01/16 PY - 2026 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13 DO - 10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13 T2 - Animal and Veterinary Sciences JF - Animal and Veterinary Sciences JO - Animal and Veterinary Sciences SP - 17 EP - 24 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2328-5850 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20261401.13 AB - Bovine trypanosomosis remains one of the most economically important livestock diseases in Ethiopia, particularly in tsetse-infested areas of Abeshige District. Despite long-standing national and regional control programs, limited information exists on farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this region information essential for designing community-driven interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to November 2025 in five randomly selected kebeles of Abeshige District. A total of 250 livestock-owning households were selected through systematic random sampling. Data on farmers’ awareness, attitudes, and management practices were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied, and findings were summarized using tables and figures. Farmers recognized bovine trypanosomosis as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle. Most respondents (66%) correctly identified tsetse flies (Glossina species) as the principal vector. Frequently reported clinical signs included weight loss, rough hair coat, coughing, and lacrimation. Trypanosomosis was widely perceived as more prevalent during the rainy season due to increased tsetse fly density. Although 97% of respondents acknowledged the disease as a major threat, only 28% were aware of ongoing tsetse control programs. Chemical sprays, pour-on insecticides, and trypanocidal drugs primarily Diminazene aceturate and Isometamidium chloride were commonly used for prevention and treatment. Despite relatively high awareness of trypanosomosis and its clinical manifestation, participation in formal tsetse control programs remains low. Strengthening community engagement, enhancing veterinary service delivery, and improving extension based awareness efforts are recommended for achieving sustainable disease control. VL - 14 IS - 1 ER -
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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