UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Equine trypanosomosis, commonly known as surra, is an important vector-borne disease of equines caused by Trypanosoma evansi. The present study assessed the prevalence of equine trypanosomosis and associated epidemiological risk factors in the North Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2020 to February 2021 across eleven districts. A total of 192 equines, comprising 107 horses, 26 donkeys and 59 mules, were randomly sampled. Blood samples were examined using blood smear examination, wet blood film, micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique, polymerase chain reaction and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall prevalence detected by blood smear examination, wet blood film and micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique was 1.04%, 1.56% and 4.69%, respectively. Molecular detection by polymerase chain reaction recorded 10.93% positivity, whereas serological detection by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay recorded 15.62% positivity. Among the districts examined, Balrampur showed the highest prevalence by both polymerase chain reaction and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Risk-factor analysis indicated variation in prevalence according to species, age, helminth infestation status, sex and work type. Donkeys and mules showed higher positivity than horses, and animals younger than two years showed higher seropositivity than older animals. The findings indicate the presence of T. evansi infection in equines in the study region and highlight the value of sensitive diagnostic methods for epidemiological surveillance. Regular screening, vector control, deworming and improved management practices may help reduce infection risk in equine populations.