Theileriasis in crossbred cows and its therapeutic management: first report from Lushai hill district of Mizoram.

Abstract

To know the prevalence of theileriosis infection, haemato-biochemical alteration and efficacy of Oxytetracycline in combination with Diaminazene aceturate injection against theileriosis in Lushai hill district of Mizoram; fifty five cross bred cattle were screened during July, 2013 to November, 2013. The prevalence of tropical theileriosis was 9.09% based on blood smear examination. Clinical features of the disease were manifested by high rise of body temperature 104.8±1.2°F, lymphadenopathy, inability to walk, anorexia, listlessness, moderate anaemia, nasal discharge, edema of eye and corneal opacity. There were marked decline (P<0.01) in the haemoglobin 5.28±1.81gm/dl, total erythrocytic count 2.14±0.7×10(6)/ul, packed cell volume 18.10±0.8% and total leukocyte count 6.95±1.05×10(3)/ul, respectively. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly increased (P<0.01) up to 104.5±12.4mm/1st hour. The percentage of neutrophils increased 62.75±2.77 and lymphocytes decreased drastically 28.69±1.45 as compared with un-infected cross bred cattle. Clinically infected cattle with Theileria annulata had significantly low levels of total proteins and albumin, (P<0.05) but AST, total, direct and indirect bilirubin, BUN, creatinine levels and Ck-MB activity were significantly high (P<0.05). Oxytetracycline in combination with Diaminazene aceturate was found effective against T. annulata and could control fever and temperature returns to normalcy by 7th day post treatment along with some haemato-biochemical profiles. In brief, the study revealed that tropical theileriosis was prevalent in Lushai hill district of Mizoram especially among cross breed cattle and had effect on hepatic, renal and cardiac function which can be effectively controlled by Oxytetracycline and Diaminazene aceturate injection.