Perdas econômicas associadas à infecção por Trypanosoma vivax em bovinos de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by a pathogenic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma, and T. vivax is the most important etiologic agent for cattle. The aim of this study was to describe the economic losses associated with T. vivax infection in farms from different mesoregions of Minas Gerais. In the years 2016 to 2019, 46 farms with cattle suspected of being infected with T. vivax were monitored. In addition to the clinical monitoring and treatment of the animals, a questionnaire was applied to quantify the economic losses of the farm. Fourteen herds were positive for T. vivax, diagnosed by visualization of trypomastigote forms in blood smears, PCR and DNA sequencing of some samples. Among them, eight farms were selected for analysis of economic losses. The costs related to the death of cows and calves, drop in milk production, costs with veterinarians assuiance, treatments and losses with abortions were evaluated. The main clinical signs observed were apathy, anorexia, drop in milk production, weight loss and reproductive failures. The economic losses on these properties ranged from R$ 10,610.00 to 154,130.00. In these values, the loss with milk production is shown as a daily value. If we amplify it for the period of milk production recovery, with an average of 120 days this value can vary from R$ 23.700,00 to 242.600,00. Trypanosomiasis can lead to significant economic losses in the milk production chain in Minas Gerais. Correct diagnosis with rapid treatment and control measures contribute to a significant reduction in these costs.