Prevalence of Bovine Babesiosis in Selected District of East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction. Bovine babesiosis is a hemoparasitic disease that severely impacts cattle, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine babesiosis and identify associated risk factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected districts of East Wollega, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected from a purposively selected group of 384 animals (268 females and 116 males), and thin and thick smears were prepared to identify Babesia parasites. Anemia was assessed using packed cell volume measurements. Results. Bovine babesiosis prevalence was 5.2%. Babesia bovis infected 3.91%, and Bovis bigemina infected 1.30% of animals. Significant correlations (p<0.05) were found between husbandry practices and previous anti-Babesia drug treatment. No significant associations (p>0.05) were observed with age, sex, breed, or body condition. Males (6.0%) had a higher prevalence, highest in animals of more than seven years (6.1%) and mature animals (5.2%). The lowest prevalence (4.2%) occurred in young animals. Low body condition cattle (7.1%) had higher infection rates than medium (5.0%) and high (1.2%) scores. Conclusion. Bovine babesiosis was prevalent in the study area and poses a significant threat to cattle production overall.