Abstract
The crude prevalence of antibodies to Babesia bovis infection in cattle was estimated by serology using indirect ELISA during the period January to April, 1999. Sera were obtained from 1,395 dairy cattle (of all ages, sexes and breeds) on smallholder farms, the majority being kept under a zero grazing regime. The crude prevalence of antibodies to Babesia bovis was 6 % for Tanga and 12 % for Iringa. The forces of infection based on the age sero-prevalence profile, were estimated at six for Iringa and four for Tanga per 100 cattle years-risk, respectively. Using random effect logistic regression as the analytical method, the factors (variables) of age, source of animals and geographic location were hypothesised to be associated with sero-positivity of Babesia bovis in the two regions.
Highlights
Cattle ticks of the genus Boophilus are the only vectors of Babesia bovis infection (Mahoney 1979), and of these, Boophilus microplus larvae have been singled out as the most efficient transmitting agents of Babesia bovis in areas were this infection exists (Riek 1966)
In this article we present the results of a cross-sectional study estimation of the prevalence of Babesia bovis antibodies in dairy cattle on the two contrasting and diverse smallholder dairying regions in Tanzania where Boophilus microplus is often thought not to exist (Lynen, Bakuname & Sanka 1999)
The objective were to quantify the occurrence of Babesia bovis through a serological survey, estimate the rate of infection of it and explore the possible relationship between the it and some animal/ farm level variables
Summary
Cattle ticks of the genus Boophilus are the only vectors of Babesia bovis infection (Mahoney 1979), and of these, Boophilus microplus larvae have been singled out as the most efficient transmitting agents of Babesia bovis in areas were this infection exists (Riek 1966). In this article we present the results of a cross-sectional study estimation of the prevalence of Babesia bovis antibodies in dairy cattle on the two contrasting and diverse smallholder dairying regions in Tanzania where Boophilus microplus is often thought not to exist (Lynen, Bakuname & Sanka 1999). The objective were to quantify the occurrence of Babesia bovis through a serological survey, estimate the rate of infection of it and explore the possible relationship between the it and some animal/ farm level variables. Babesia bovis antibody prevalence in cattle in Tanzania
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
