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This study assessed the prevalence of trypanosomes in cattle at the Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR) in March and June 2004 and in February 2005. A total of 1293 cattle blood samples were collected at random. The samples were analysed using the buffy coat technique and Giemsa thin blood films for parasite detection and identification. The effects of herd pen location to watering and grazing point's distances (using the global positioning system (GPS)) were determined and mean Packed cell volume (PCV) assessed. Overall, the detected prevalence of trypanosomosis was 8.4%, much higher than the previous prevalence of 5.3% before the present study was conducted. The prevalences in the months of March, June (2004) and February (2005) were 2.3%, 11.6% and 15.4%, respectively. Increased prevalence was associated with proximity of herd pens to watering point's distances (chi(2) for linear trend=4.447, P<0.05), but no association of herd pens to grazing point distances (chi(2)=2.186, P>0.05); suggesting that hydrological network played an important part in trypanosomosis transmission. The mean PCV of parasitaemic and apparasitaemic cattle were respectively 25.99+/-1.82% and 29.31+/-1.70%. The drop in mean PCV was most in 0-1-year age group, 23.47+/-3.10% and was statistically significant (P<0.05), suggesting that anaemia was most pronounced in this age group. Factors that may have contributed to the increased prevalence obtained were collapse of control measures and breed susceptibility. Since, Zebu cattle were the predominant breeds in the reserve, the study advocates effective use of insecticide impregnated screens (traps and targets) with community participation in mind for sustainability. If government intervenes through PATTEC ground spraying of insecticides in the reserve is recommended. In addition, chemotherapeutic and chemoprophylaxis should be systematically used to fight the problem of trypanosomosis in the KGR towards improved livestock production.

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Nine coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Aerococcus viridans were tested for bacterial antagonism. Seven of the nine of the coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Aerococcus viridans inhibited the growth of four Staph. hyicus, three Staph. aureus strains and some other Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus group A and D, Corynebacteria, but none of the Gram-negative and yeast was inhibited on agar media. There was also production of inhibitory substances in different types of liquid media but no antagonistic activity was observed on Millipore membrane. The inhibition was not due to the pH change of media in which the producers were grown, but due to production of inhibitory substances tentatively classed as antibiotics.

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Dermatophilus congolensis infection (dermatophilosis) is an acute, subacute or chronic skin disease affecting a wide range of species of animals and man. It is world widely distributed but more prevalent in the humid, tropics and subtropics. The disease is now being reviewed in detail. In the present review, the geographical distribution, history and nomenclature, animal hosts affected, aetiological agent and clinical signs of the disease are discussed extensively. Emphasis is also given on the predisposing factors such as rainfall, humidity, ectoparasites etc. under epizootiology. Pathogenesis, pathology, immunology treatment, control and prophylaxis are other areas well covered. The economic importance of the disease is also stressed and a new approach (biological approach) to treatment and control of the disease is being described in this review. It was concluded that in view of the importance of the disease for the increase of livestock and leather production in the tropical and subtropical region especially in Africa, an international centre for dermatophilosis research is highly needed.

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When tested on solid media the growth of 19 Dermatophilus congolensis strains was inhibited by antibiotic-producing staphylococci isolated from pigs. Two strains, D congolensis D11 and D15, which were very sensitive to the producers and caused lesions of dermatophilosis in a mouse model, were further used to investigate the ability of the producers to inhibit lesion formation by the strains of D congolensis. The simultaneous application of the antibiotic-producing staphylococci and D congolensis suppressed formation of the lesions in the mouse.

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The therapeutic and prophylactic activity of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) (2% in drinking water for 4 days) and Berenil (7 mg/kg live weight intraperitoneally) combination was investigated in mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Using a previously described mouse model of the African trypanosomosis of the central nervous system, it was demonstrated that the combination was curative and acted synergistically. However, if used prophylactically it had no advantage over Berenil alone.

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