Tripanossomose bovina: estudo epidemiológico em propriedades leiteiras na microrregião de Saudade do Iguaçu - PR

Abstract

Bovine trypanosomiasis, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma vivax, has become established as an emerging disease of great sanitary and economic importance in Brazilian dairy farming. The disease is associated with significant losses, including reduced milk production, body weight loss, reproductive impairment, and increased costs of sanitary management. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of bovine trypanosomiasis in dairy farms in the microregion of Saudade do Iguaçu – PR, as well as to identify risk factors associated with its spread. Eighty cattle distributed across 16 farms were evaluated, with five animals tested per production unit using an immunochromatographic test. A prevalence of 50% of positive animals was observed, with 20% symptomatic and 30% asymptomatic. All properties had at least one positive animal. Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.12; p > 0.05) indicated no significant association between geographic distance and disease occurrence. Shared veterinary assistance was identified as the main epidemiological link, suggesting indirect transmission via fomites. It is concluded that there is widespread dissemination of the disease in the region, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity measures.