Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma evansi Infection in Equines of North and North Western States of India

Abstract

Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma evansi, commonly known as "surra," is a wasting disease affecting equids, camels, cattle, as well as several other domestic and wild animals. No systematic information is available on disease pattern in equines for development of control and treatment strategies in endemic areas in India. The present study was undertaken with a comprehensive plan to screen large population of equines using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to obtain epidemiological information on "surra" in different agro-climatic zones of India. A total of 6455 serum samples were tested, of them 338 (5.24%) were found positive for T. evansi antibodies during the years 2011-2012 to 2014-2015. The highest prevalence (9.75%) was recorded from Gangetic plains of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, while western dry region (Rajasthan) recorded the lowest (2.85%) prevalence rate. This study showed serological evidence of T. evansi infection in equines at a low prevalence rate, but the highest prevalence rate during the study was witnessed during 2011-2012. The disease was found prevalent throughout the year in different seasons with sporadic outbreaks in equines. However, higher prevalence was observed in postmonsoon season (September to November) and the lowest during winter season (December to February). Furthermore, no significant difference in disease prevalence was observed sex and species wise.