Studies On Prevalence And The Importance Of Cattle Leech Infestation In Ngorongoro District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Leech infestations are not common in humans and animals, but occur through infested water by drinking or taking bath. It is endemic in rural areas because of inadequate use of safe and clean water. Extent of the problem in Tanzania is not well known because it is a neglected disease, therefore there is little documentation on the leech infestation. Cross-sectional study was conducted in April and May 2015 to determine prevalence and importance of cattle leech infestations in three villages (Endulen, Olpiro and Esere) of Endulen ward in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania. Specific objectives were to assess pastoralists knowledge, attitude and practices on leech infestation in cattle, to determine prevalence of leech in cattle and to determine presence/absence and identify leech species in study area. Study involved examination of cattle for leech infestation, inspection of water bodies for leech presence and questionnaire using interviews administered to household heads or any member of household in absence of the head. A total of 384 cattle were purposively and randomly selected and examined for leech infestation in mouth and nostrils. Water bodies were purposively selected and surveyed for leech detection. Fifteen minutes were spent on each water body. Collected leeches were preserved in 10% formalin solution for later identification. Data were entered into SPSS and analysed by Chi-square. Result showed prevalence of leech infestation in cattle was zero per cent. Leeches identified as belonging to order Arynchobdellida. Questionnaire survey showed that there is a significant local knowledge on leeches. Study was conducted during rainy season, there is high possibility that leeches were swept away through running water and hence no leech was detected on cattle. It is recommended that, more studies should be done during dry and wet seasons to establish true prevalence and importance of leech infestation in cattle in Ngorongoro District, Tanzania.