Prevalence and risk factors of Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis infection in asymptomatic infected cattle in Golestan province, Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Full Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Parasitic Disease Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

2 Mashhad Branch, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Babesia bigemina and B. bovis are the two most important species that cause bovine babesiosis, leading to economic losses due to increased mortality and lower production. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors with B.bigemina and B. bovis in cattle of Golestan province using molecular tools. Methods: A total of 152 blood samples were collected from healthy cattle in 11 cities of the Province. Associated risk factors were also recorded. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified by using semi-nested PCR. Results: Out of the 152 samples, 42 (27.6%) and 29 (19.1%) were positive for B. bigemina and B. bovis infection, respectively. The potential significant factors associated with B. bigemina infections were climate, distance from other farms, contact with other animals, and farm density. The only significant risk factor for B. bovis infection was farm type. Conclusion: It is necessary to educate livestock farmers about tick-borne diseases and tick control methods and to establish animal husbandry based on health standards in Golestan province. Obtained data provided a baseline information regarding to epidemiology of B. bigemina and B. bovis infections in cattle in the region, which can be utilized in developing proper strategies for disease control and management.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Veterinary Research & Biological Products

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 20 October 2024

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 07 September 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 October 2024
  • Accept Date: 16 October 2024

Share

How to cite

Statistics