The epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis in Zambia

Bovine dermatophilosis (Senkobo disease) has been reported annually in Zambia for many years. However, its epidemiology under Zambian conditions had never been adequately studied. Officially the disease has never been recognized as being of any economic consequence. A field study was designed and conducted from August to December 1986, to provide estimates of epidemiological statistics and other factors for the period January 1985 to December 1986 in four districts. These districts supported approximately 28% of the national cattle herd. The study was conducted in communally grazed herds as the disease was reportedly of little significance in commercial herds. A total of 365 herds containing 22,344 head of cattle were inspected and the owners interviewed; 286 herds (78.4%) and 1114 cattle (5.0%) were found to be affected. Rainy weather, vegetation type such as grass savannah, woodland savannah and thorny bush, ticks and biting flies were indicated as important factors in the appearance and course of dermatophilosis in Zambia.