Trypanosomiasis is an infectious malady of equines characterized by weight loss, anemia, progressive paresis, enlarged lymph nodes, petechiae of serous membranes, conjunctivitis, edema of the legs and lower part of the body, urticaria, and alopecia. Considering the significance and utilization of equines in our country and the substantial losses rendered by trypanosomiasis, the present study was designed to study prevalence and chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis in equines of Gujranwala and Sialkot districts.
For this purpose, 300 equines (horses=100; mules=100; donkeys=100) were examined for Trypanosoma infection. The blood was collected by ear-tip puncture and from Jugular venipuncture. Then thin blood smear slide was prepared and dried up in air and stained with Geimsa's staining method and examined under microscope. T. evansi was identified by their morphological characteristics as described by Smyth, (1996). Overall prevalence of T. evansi in equines was estimated as 13%. Individually there were 16%, 13% and 12% prevalence of T. evansi found in horses, mules and donkeys respectively.
The effect of trypanosomiasis on various blood parameters (Hb, ESR, TEC, TLC, DLC, and PCV) was determined in 30 equines (horses=10; mules=10; donkeys=10). The remarkable decrease in Hb, TEC, PCV, and lymphocytes were observed. The value of ESR increased, while there were no remarkable changes in TLC, monocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils.
For chemotherapy, 36 equines (horses=12; mules=12; donkeys=12) positive for trypanosomiasis, were divided into three groups (A, B, and C). Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups, comprising of 4 animals in each subgroup. The animals of group A (horses=4; mules=4; donkeys=4) were treated with diaminazine aceturate (Fatrybanil®, Fatro, Pakistan) @ 3.5 mg/kg BW I/M, and the efficacy of drug was found 83.3% in equines against trypanosomiasis. The group B (horses=4; mules=4; donkeys=4) was treated with isometamedium chloride (Trypamidium Sumarin®, Merial, Pakistan) @ 0.25 mg/kg BW I/M alone, and was observed 91.6% effective. While the group C (horses=4; mules=4; donkeys=4) was treated with Auk (Calotropis procera) @ 0.3mg/kg BW, 8 doses at alternate days (local treatment), which was found 41.6% effective. The efficacy of drugs was measured on the basis of disappearance of clinical signs and recovery rate of the animals, and blood smear examination at day 2, 4, 6 and 10 of post-medication.
Finally, the data on prevalence of trypanosomiasis was estimated by Pearson's chi-square test for significance whereas data on haematology was analyzed by Student's T-test using statistical software package STATA 9.1 (College Station T×77845, USA), P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Considering the significance and utilization of equine in our country and the substantial losses rendered by trypanosomiasis, the present project was designed to check prevalence and chemotherapy of trypanosomiasis in equines of Gujranwala and Sialkot districts. The results of this study will help farmers and veterinary practitioners in field.