The prevalence of trypanosomes was investigated in animals in the rain forest zone of Anambra and Delta States of Nigeria. Buffy coat method and Giemsa stained thin film were used to diagnose and identify trypanosome species in blood of 357 white Fulani zebu cattle, 70 dogs and 35 pigs collected at random from the study areas. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined. Structured questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) of herdsmen about trypanosomosis. Results overall showed that 11 (3.08%) cattle, 0 (0 %) dogs and one (2.86%) pig were respectively found infected with trypanosomes and that Trypanosoma vivax was most prevalent followed by T. congolense and T. brucei. The mean PCV (25 %) for the trypanosome-positive and 28 % for trypanosome-negative cattle were within the normal range (≥ 24 %). The herdsmen interviewed were aware of trypanosomosis, tsetse and mentioned weight loss, weakness, and geophagia as symptoms among others. They maintained that trypanosomosis did not pose a serious threat to livestock development in the region and mentioned ticks as important parasitic infection treatable with anti-parasitic drugs. Introduction of cattle from the northern region into the two states was identified as a major factor in the maintenance and spread of animal trypanosomosis. From our findings and given good nutrition as demonstrated by the abundance of fodder all year round, animals were more likely to withstand the deleterious effects of trypanosomosis. The study suggests strengthening intensive commercial cattle production in conjunction with good management practices to help boost cattle development in the region.