Trypanosomosis outbreaks due to Trypanosoma evansi in the Pantanal, Brazil. A preliminary approach on risk factors

Abstract

This study was carried out from January to July 1994 when several cases of trypanosomosis occurred in dogs and horses in the Pantanal. Blood samples collected from sick homes (n = 119) and dogs (n = 4) were examined by the microhematocrit centrifugation technique and mouse inoculation. All dogs and 116 horses (97 %) were infected with Trypnnosoma evansi. The trypanosomosis outbreaks occurred during or just after the tabanid season in the region. The frequent transit of infected domestic animals through the properties could have contributed to the disease spreading by vectors. Other risk factors such as wild reservoirs and transmission by vampire bats are discussed.