Haemoparasites infection in bullfighting cattle in southern of Thailand

Abstract

Haemoparasites affect animal health and the production leading to economic losses and may have effects on human health. In Thailand, there are few reports of infections in the bullfighting cattle are for cultural fighting competitions. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the distribution of haemoparasites infection in bullfighting cattle in order to control the transmission of disease to the local domestic cattle. A total of 1906 blood samples were collected from the bullfighting cattle from eight provinces in southern Thailand from 2017 to 2020. Those cattle showed the clinical signs of gasping, pale mucous membrane, haematuria, anorexia, sneezing and weakness. Micro-haematocrit centrifugation and thin blood smears with Giemsa’s staining were used. The results indicated 42.50% (810/1906) of cases positive for haemoparasites infection. The most commonly found was Theileria spp. (38.20%, 728/1906) followed by microfilaria of Setaria spp. (2.68%, 51/1906), Trypanosoma spp. (1.21%, 23/1906), Babesia spp. (0.94%, 18/1906) and Anaplasma spp. (0.10%, 2/1906). Out of 810 positive samples, there was co-infection between Theileria spp. and Setaria spp. (1.36%, 11/810), Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. (0.99%, 8/810), and Theileria spp., Trypanosoma spp. and Setaria spp. (0.37%, 3/810). The distribution of haemoparasites infection in eight raising areas ranged from 39.71 to 75%, with no significantly differences. From this result is was determined that haemoparasites were of generalised distribution in southern Thailand. Therefore, there should be strict surveillance and control of movement of cattle into the fighting arena. Moreover, vector control and blood checking before fighting should be promoted.