Prevalence of haemoparasites infection in diseased bovine and canine of Bhatinda district of Punjab, India.

Abstract

Infections caused by tick-borne haemoparasites pose a significant global threat to both human and animal health. Within this category, various haemoparasites species belonging to genera like Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Ehrlichia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Theileria sp., are particularly concerning due to their ability to cause diseases in a wide range of hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The present cross-sectional study involving 580 animals provides annual insights into the prevalence of major haemoparasites infections in the Bathinda region of Punjab. The observed trends indicate that haemoparasites infections were most common in cattle, followed by buffalo and canines. Risk factor analysis revealed that crossbreed cattle were more susceptible to infection, with a prevalence of 35.73% (95% CI 4.28-45.17). Amongst the cattle, adults exhibited a higher vulnerability to haemoparasites infections, with a prevalence of 35.89% (95% CI 5.50-33.64). Conversely, companion animals showed the opposite pattern, with a prevalence of 18.18% (95% CI 9.11-169.27). Furthermore, female dogs had a higher risk of haemoparasites infection, with a prevalence of 16.28% (95% CI 8.36-218.7). In light of these findings, it is imperative to emphasize early diagnosis, prompt antiprotozoals drug treatment, and effective control of tick vectors for the successful recovery of animals afflicted by haemoparasites infections.