Molecular Survey of Trypanosoma brucei in Cattle and Tsetse Flies in Taraba State: A One Health Perspective

Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), caused primarily by Trypanosoma brucei and related species, is a major constraint to cattle production and rural livelihoods in the Savanna belt of Nigeria. A One Health approach integrating data from animal hosts, vectors, and human exposure risks provides a comprehensive epidemiological picture. This study molecularly surveyed T. brucei infection in cattle herds and tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) in three local government areas of Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 180 N'Dama and White Fulani cattle, and 140 tsetse flies were caught using Nzi traps. Parasite DNA was extracted and species identification performed using ITS1 PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region. Cattle trypanosome prevalence was 22.2%, with T. vivax (58%) and T. brucei brucei (31%) most frequently detected by molecular methods. Tsetse infection rates were 12.9%, with multiple trypanosomes species detected. T. brucei rhodesiense, capable of infecting humans, was not detected but cannot be excluded without further xenodiagnostic testing. These molecular data provide important risk stratification information for AAT management and human sleeping sickness surveillance in Taraba State. Keywords: Trypanosoma brucei, tsetse flies, ITS1 PCR, cattle, Taraba State.