Importance of camel trypanosomosis and its vectors in Mauritania

An epidemiological survey of Trypanosoma evansi was conducted on 2062 dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) of all ages (528 males and 1534 females) from 82 herds in 4 provinces (Trarza, Gorgol, Adrar, Hodh Chargui) presenting different climatic and ecological conditions. The prevalence of the infection was determined through blood smear examination and serological tests: CATT, IFAT and ELISA, Ag-detection. Collection of tabanids was done by trapping (hand nets on animals, car moving slowly). The overall parasitological prevalence of the disease was 1.4%. Seropositivity rates were 16.5% with CATT, 24.3% with IFAT and 14.0% with antigen ELISA. Variations were observed depending upon region, herd management strategy and age of the animals. Flies trapped were: Atylopus agrestis (63.8±4%), Tabanus taeniola (24.4±4%), T. sufis (11.8±3%), Haematobia minuta and the hippoboscids Hippobosca camelina and H. variegata. These species were particularly abundant during the end of the rainy season, but could be found throughout the year. Most of the time T. taeniola and A. agrestis were caught in pastures, while T. sufis was caught by traps placed near water.