Prevalence, molecular signature and risk analysis of tropical theileriosis in Gir cattle in south-western region of Gujarat, India

The study signifies pioneering effort for development of preventive strategies of tropical theileriosis in Gir Cattle by shedding the light on epidemiological information regarding age, season, lactational status, tick infestation and importance of tick control. On the other hand, key clinical observations viz., pyrexia, lymphadenopathy, altered appetite, ocular and nasal discharge, pale mucous membrane, and tick infestations of the study provide the platform for early diagnosis of disease in field conditions to veterinary professionals

Hematological Changes in Dogs Affected with Canine Babesiosis

Canine babesiosis caused by tick-borne organisms of the genus Babesia, is one of the most significant disease worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the haematological changes in dogs naturally infected with Babesia. The hematological evaluation included haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, platelets, white blood cell (WBC) count, differential leucocyte count (DLC), packet cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The haematological findings in most of these dogs revealed microcytic hypochromic anaemia, lowered platelet count and 75% cases had 24% decreased PCV. The results of the study showed that Babesia infection in dogs caused anaemia and thrombocytopenia.</jats:p

Prevalence of Haemoprotozoan Infection in Gir Cattle in and around Junagadh, Gujarat

The study was carried out on a total of 250 Gir cattle, which covered those presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College in Junagadh (Gujarat) for therapeutic measures and some from Gaushala near to Junagadh region. The animals were screened for common hemoprotozoan infection based on blood smear examination to record the prevalence rate of infection. The overall prevalence of hemoprotozoan infections recorded on the basis of microscopic examination of blood smears was 35.20 %. Out of these, 64 (25.60%) were positive for Theileria spp., 20 (8%) for Babesia spp., and 4 (1.6%) for Anaplasma spp. a highest prevalence was recorded in April (64.70%), followed by March (57.14%) and February (42.85%). The lowest prevalence was recorded in the month of December (5.88%). The highest prevalence was recorded in the summer season (40.71%), followed by rainy (34.37%) and winter season (19.56%). The highest prevalence of hemoprotozoan infection (41.86%) was recorded in Gir cattle of 3 to 8 years age group followed by 32.35% in 6 months to 3 years age group, and the lowest prevalence was recorded (24.32%) in older animals 8 years and above age group.</jats:p