The prevalence of trypanosomosis in small ruminants and pigs in a sleeping sickness endemic area of Buikwe County, Mukono district, Uganda.

A survey of trypanosomosis in goats, sheep and pigs was carried out in Buikwe County, Mukono District of South Eastern Uganda between April and August 1994. Infection rates of 8.8% in 204 goats, 26.7% in 60 sheep and 32.4% in 68 pigs of all ages and both sexes were recorded. Trypanosoma brucei parasites were found in goats and pigs, T. congolense in sheep and pigs and T. vivax in goats and sheep. Infection rates were similar in both sexes of animal species and it was observed that T. vivax caused high levels of parasitaemia while T. brucei infections were associated with very low levels of parasitaemia. Trypanosoma brucei infections accounted for 66.7% and 30% of all infections in goats and pigs, respectively. It is postulated that some of these T. brucei parasites could be T. b. rhodesiense, the causing agent of sleeping sickness in this area.