The continental distribution of TheileriaandBabesia species in African wild mammals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of molecular prevalence.

To decide where and when to move, animals combine memorised information with environmental cues. Wind speed and direction can affect the way animals perceive the environment by reducing the detection and shaping the spatial distribution of sensory cues. Although these cues are expected to be used for forage localisation and predation avoidance in large herbivores, for instance, we still do not know to what extent wind can ultimately influence their large-scale movement decisions. To tackle this knowledge gap, we used GPS data from four species of large African herbivores experiencing contrasted predation risks (blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus, plain zebras, Equus quagga, African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, African elephant, Loxodonta africana), in multiple protected areas. We first investigated whether individuals reduce predation risk by avoiding long-distance movements under windy conditions. We then analysed whether they favour moving upwind to maximise their information gain as they travel. We found no clear decrease in the largest step length as wind speed increases and suggest that local habitat could buffer the strength of wind speed (i.e. topography or vegetation). We, however, found that large herbivores tend to move upwind rather than cross- or downwind, although the effect was generally small. We point out that individuals might be more constrained in their use of cues carried by the wind than initially thought, due to the existence of dominant wind directions at all sites. Altogether, our study suggests that wind has little general, consistent, effects on large herbivore movement decisions. Some sites or species-specific results, however, call for delving deeper into the context-specificity of wind effects.

African buffalo are long-term carriers of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), particularly the South African Territories serotypes. Detecting low viral loads in carrier animals remains challenging. This study aims to detect FMDV antigen in formalin-fixed tissues of carrier buffalo using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify potential sites of viral persistence. Polyclonal antibodies targeting structural FMDV proteins were used to detect FMDV in formalin-fixed tissues from African buffalo (n = 15) culled in the Kruger National Park. The results were scored and compared with those from polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Viral antigen was consistently associated with the vasculature of the coronary band and interdigital skin as well as in the lungs. It was also associated with the germinal centres of the palatine tonsils. Detection outside these areas was rare, indicating a distinct tissue tropism favouring the vasculature in carrier animals. All buffalo tested IHC positive, including some PCR-negative cases, suggesting IHC may offer increased sensitivity when viral loads are low. The results revealed a novel association of viral antigen with vascular tissue and demonstrated the potential for superior sensitivity over PCR. Further research is needed to validate this assay, prove repeatability and clarify how carriers contribute to disease persistence and transmission.

Anaplasma platys is a causative agent of canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Reports of A. platys in Africa remain scarce and fragmented, with most detections occurring as co-infections in broader Anaplasmataceae surveys. A systematic review was conducted from February to May 2025, analyzing all peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, and conference proceedings published in English in three databases-PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus-from database inception up to and including December 2024. Following screening, 103 full-text peer-reviewed records were deemed eligible for data extraction. The outcome of interest was A. platys and A. platys-like detection by various methods and the corresponding sequences (16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and groEL genes) from GenBank for use in phylogenetic analyses. Anaplasma platys and A. platys-like were detected in 80 studies in 25 of the 54 African countries across multiple host species, and there was no detection in the four semi-autonomous or autonomous territories. The pathogen was mostly detected in domestic dogs, with prevalence that ranged from 0.8% to 100%, followed by cattle, with prevalence of 0.2-84%, and sheep with 1.7-100%. Other domestic animals included goats (6.7-55.7%) and camels (0.7-61.1%), while wildlife included impala (9.5-58.3%), African buffalo (3.6-7.7%), sable antelope (4.3%), Grant's gazelle (32.4%), kudu (83.3%), zebra (16.7%), warthog (12.5%), elephant (50%), lion (16.7%), leopard (11.1%), bat-eared fox (88.9%), brown hyena (82.3%), and spotted hyena (100%). Additionally, A. platys DNA was detected in ticks, mainly R. sanguineus s.l. but also Rhipicephalus pulchellus, R. annulatus, R. pravus, R. evertsi evertsi, R. microplus, R. simus, R. humeralis, R. camicasi, Haemaphysalis leachi, and Hyalomma excavatum, as well as in fleas (Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides felis felis, and Ctenocephalides felis canis). One documented human case involved a veterinarian who had traveled to South Africa, raising concerns about zoonotic potential, though the infection source remains unclear. The 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree demonstrated broad host and vector diversity, while the groEL-based analysis resolved distinct bovine- and canine-associated lineages. These findings highlight a likely broad vertebrate host range of A. platys and possible association with multiple tick vectors. Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding host-specific genotypes and the role of tick species in transmission.

Mycobacterium bovis infection poses a significant threat to the biodiversity and conservation of South African wildlife. Despite this, few studies have explored transmission dynamics within these complex multi-host systems. This study used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the genetic diversity and relatedness of M. bovis strains across various wildlife species and regions in South Africa to explore transmission patterns. A total of 112 M. bovis isolates from 106 individuals representing 12 species underwent short-read sequencing. Two animal-adapted sub-lineages, La1.7.1 (clonal complex Eu2) and La1.8.1 (Eu1), exhibited geographic clustering and notable genomic diversity. Closely related isolates (≤5 SNP differences) were primarily found within single host species, particularly African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), indicating intra-species transmission and potential source identification. In contrast, other genetically similar isolates (≤12 SNP differences), collected over 25 years, suggest historical inter-species transmission. Understanding these transmission patterns is essential for developing effective strategies to control the spread of M. bovis and protect vulnerable wildlife populations.

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible blindness. Manual detection from medical images is complex and leads to errors. Machine learning (ML) algorithms offer significant advantages in automatically detecting glaucoma, with Fuzzy c-means clustering, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Deep Learning (DL) being the most commonly used. While these models offer promising results, they often suffer from limitations such as limited generalization to new data and sensitivity to noise and feature imbalance. Hence, to overcome the limitations, this paper proposes an Ensemble Random Adaptive Support Vector based Random African Buffalo (ERAS-RAB) algorithm to detect and classify it. Evaluated using the Glaucoma Fundus Imaging dataset, the proposed system outperforms several baseline methods, achieving an Accuracy of 99.21%, a Precision of 99.09%, a Recall of 98.96%, and an F1-Score of 99.02%, demonstrating its efficacy in early glaucoma diagnosis. This work demonstrates the potential of hybrid ensemble models in medical image analysis, providing a reliable framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into ophthalmic diagnostics.

Cranial appendages in herbivores are vital for their survival and have evolved from a common ancestor around 15-20 million years ago and are of four types: antlers, ossicones, horns, and pronghorns. The interest may actually beneficial, as the study of ruminant headgear may enable important applications in the fields of veterinary and human medicine. Antler development, is seen as a key to understanding a suite of skin–bone interactions, including healing, regeneration and neural control of bone development. Horns consist of conical keratinous sheaths which enclose the horn core, arising from the frontal bone. They vary greatly in size, forms and curvatures. Unlike antlers, both the bony core and keratin covering are never shed naturally. Horns act as a shield which protects the animal during fight (Bighorn Sheep). Female bovids that are larger in size and live in an open habitat are more likely to have horns (African buffalo). Horns also function as shock absorber. Antlers undergo periodic regeneration, with deer antlers being a model for studying bone growth and regeneration. Antler growth is energetically expensive and induced by testosterone. Ossicones, found in giraffes and okapis, are permanent and differ from horns and antlers. Pronghorns have a keratinous sheath that sheds annually and a forked appearance due to branching. Each type of cranial appendage has unique characteristics and functions, highlighting the diversity of these structures in herbivores and their evolutionary significance.

This study investigates the predation dynamics of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) within the Mbam et Djerem National Park, Cameroon, focusing on the interplay between predation pressures and climatic influences.The African buffalo, a keystone species in the park's ecosystem, faces various predators, including lions, crocodiles, and hyenas, who's hunting patterns may be influenced by climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and seasonal changes.Utilizing a combination of field observations, and climatic data analysis, this research aims to elucidate the relationships between buffalo population dynamics, predation rates, and environmental variables.Preliminary findings suggest that periods of extreme weather events significantly affect predator behavior and buffalo vulnerability, potentially leading to shifts in population stability.Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective wildlife management and conservation strategies in the face of climate change.Buffalo populations, together with their predators were monitored and observed from 8:00 am -5:00 pm for four days each week.Additionally, data was collected on rainfall, sunshine, temperature and humidity simultaneously.The predation of African buffalo showed a significant association on habitat r = 0.303, P<0.05, water sources r = 0.405 P = 0.019, climatic conditions X 2 = 11.827,df=6, P<0.05, humidity X 2 = 4.813, df=4, P<0.05, and human encroachment X 2 = 11.741,df=4, P=0.019, respectively.More so, habitat has shown a significance on food resources X 2 = 2.972 df=2, P<0.05 and environmental temperature rating r=0.571,P=0.001, respectively.There was a significant association between atmospheric temperature rating and buffalo foodX 2 = 14.707 df=4 P=0.005.A significant correlation was equally recorded between humidity rating and predatory habitat r=0.211P<0.05.Results indicated that climatic variations significantly affect prey availability and predator behavior, leading to fluctuating predators pressure on buffalo populations.Increased rainfall correlates with higher grass biomass, enhancing buffalo habitat quality but also attracting predators.This research highlights the complex interplay between climatic factors and predatorprey dynamics, providing insights for conservation strategies aimed at maintaining the ecological balance within the park.This study contributes to the broader discourse on ecosystem resilience and the impacts of environmental variability on wildlife interactions in African savannas.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the foraging behaviours, host species utilisation, and spatial attachment preferences of Red‐billed Oxpecker ( Buphagus erythrorhynchus ) and Yellow‐billed Oxpecker ( Buphagus africanus ) in Salambala Conservancy, northeastern Namibia, from May to September 2023. A total of 1252 potential host animals were observed, including African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ), cattle ( Bos taurus ), giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis ), and plains zebra ( Equus quagga ). Oxpecker‐host interactions were recorded for 234 Red‐billed Oxpecker and 69 Yellow‐billed Oxpecker. Red‐billed Oxpecker primarily exhibited perching and tick‐feeding behaviours, particularly on buffalo and cattle, while Yellow‐billed Oxpecker showed a stronger reliance on tick‐feeding, especially on buffalo. Other feeding behaviours, such as the consumption of ear wax, mucus, and saliva, were mainly recorded on giraffe, suggesting resource diversification strategies. Host rejection and tolerance behaviours also differed among species, with buffalo and giraffe demonstrating higher tolerance levels compared to cattle and zebra, which exhibited elevated rejection responses. Oxpecker attachment patterns differed across host species and body regions. Preferred foraging regions included the back, head, and anogenital areas that are typically difficult for hosts to self‐groom. These findings provide dry‐season baseline data on oxpecker‐host interactions in a mixed‐use conservancy landscape and highlight behavioural flexibility in response to host species and tolerance. Interpretation of interspecific differences, particularly for Yellow‐billed Oxpeckers, should be viewed as preliminary due to uneven sampling across hosts.

Predicting the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Syncerus caffer under varying climate dynamics in the Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem in Kenya

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype SAT3 is a rarely studied serotype primarily circulating in southern Africa, with African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) serving as its key reservoir. In this study, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic and phylodynamic analysis of SAT3 based on 81 full-length VP1 gene sequences collected between 1934 and 2018. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses revealed five distinct topotypes, each with clear geographic and host associations. Notably, topotypes I, II and III were observed in both African buffalo and cattle (Bos taurus), while topotype IV appeared restricted to African buffalo. Likelihood mapping indicated moderate to strong phylogenetic signal, and the mean substitution rate was estimated at 3.709 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year under a relaxed molecular clock. The time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) was traced back to 1875. Discrete phylogeographic reconstruction identified Zimbabwe as a major center, with multiple supported cross-border transmission routes. Host transition analysis further confirmed strong directional flow from buffalo to cattle (BF = 1631.09, pp = 1.0), highlighting the wildlife–livestock interface as a key driver of SAT3 persistence. Together, these results underscore the evolutionary complexity of SAT3 and the importance of integrating molecular epidemiology, spatial modeling, and host ecology to inform FMD control strategies in endemic regions.

Brucellosis is a globally significant zoonotic disease, yet its ecology in wildlife remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the circulation of Brucella spp. in a wide range of wild mammals from multiple protected areas in South Africa. Organ and serum samples from 722 animals representing 23 species were analyzed employing a conservative diagnostic strategy, combining serology (rose bengal test confirmed by indirect ELISA) and four PCR-based assays in series, to maximize specificity and interpretative solidity. Molecular detection revealed Brucella spp. DNA in several atypical host species, including plains zebra, hippopotamus, African elephant, giraffe, warthog, cheetah, and African wild dog, expanding the known host range. In Greater Kruger National Park, African buffalo exhibited high seroprevalence (24/106; 23%, CI: 15–32%) and even higher molecular prevalence (29/57; 51%, CI: 37–64%), supporting their role as a primary wildlife reservoir for B. abortus in the region. One B. abortus isolate cultured from the spleen of a zebra and characterized by multiloci variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) showed genetic relatedness to South African buffalo and South American cattle strains. Co-infections with B. abortus and B. melitensis were identified in 17 animals across seven species. Notably, B. melitensis was detected in species (elephant, hippopotamus, zebra) not typically associated with small ruminants, suggesting complex interspecies transmission dynamics. Our findings underscore the limitations of serological testing and highligts the value of molecular diagnostics in understanding the epidemiology of Brucella spp. in South Africa. The detection of B. abortus and/or B. melitensis DNA in a range of wildlife species, including carnivores and megaherbivores, emphasises the need for integrated One Health surveillance approaches to enhance understanding of the disease’s life cycle and transmission dynamics.

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is the natural reservoir of Theileria parva, a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite that severely constrains cattle production across eastern, southern, and central Africa. While the antigenic and genetic diversity of cattle-derived T. parva (causing East Coast fever) is well characterized in Zambia, little is known about the buffalo-derived parasites. The latter cause the equally fatal Corridor disease and impact the epidemiology and control of bovine theileriosis, particularly where live vaccines are used. This study investigated antigenic and genotypic diversity of T. parva from three Zambian buffalo populations, in comparison with cattle-derived parasites and vaccine stocks (Katete and Chitongo). Analysis of Tp1 and Tp2 antigen genes revealed contrasting diversity. Tp1 epitopes showed limited variation, whereas Tp2 exhibited extensive polymorphism, especially among buffalo-derived sequences. None of the variations have been previously reported in Zambia, suggesting ongoing diversification. Phylogenetic analysis showed paraphyletic clustering of buffalo and cattle parasites. However, some buffalo genotypes grouped closely with vaccine strains, suggesting potential cross-protection. Only two Tp2 sequences from buffalo-derived parasites clustered with those from cattle or vaccines, highlighting a risk of vaccine break-through. Population genetic analysis using multilocus genotyping demonstrated higher allelic richness and diversity in buffalo-derived parasites compared to cattle-derived. Although buffalo parasites showed greater multiplicity of infection (MOI) and unique alleles, principal coordinate analysis revealed limited genetic sub-structuring and shared alleles across hosts. These results suggest a common ancestry and overlapping transmission cycles. The greater MOI in buffalo populations highlights higher genetic exchange and can complicate control efforts. Overall, the study demonstrates extensive antigenic and genetic diversity of buffalo-derived T. parva in Zambia. These findings have critical implications for current vaccine efficacy, emphasizing the need for continuous molecular surveillance, strict livestock movement control, and vaccine efficacy trials to ensure effective management of T. parva infections.

&lt;p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 14.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; vertical-align: middle;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; color: black; letter-spacing: .05pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"&gt;Background: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; color: black; letter-spacing: .05pt; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"&gt;The extensive study of clinical health systems is creating a paradigm for the newest computer-based systems that are emerging. Pancreatic cancer, which cannot be allowed to be treated efficiently once diagnosed and is frequently unanticipated due to its position in the belly below the stomach, is one of the most prevalent tumors that is believed to be irreversible. Biological therapies, sometimes referred to as immunotherapies or targeted therapies, are used to treat pancreatic cancer in order to control hormone pathways, target certain cancer cells, or strengthen the immune system. &lt;strong&gt;Method: &lt;/strong&gt;Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, and there currently is no reliable modality for the early detection of this disease. Here, identifies cancer-specific promoter DNA methylation of BNC1 and ADAMTS1 as a promising biomarker detection strategy meriting investigation in pancreatic cancer. Nanoparticles directly target tumor cells, allowing their detection and removal. It also can be engineered to carry specific payloads, such as drugs or contrast agents, and enhance the efficacy and precision of cancer treatment. This study develops a unique cascaded fully convolutional neural network (CFCNN) with Hybrid Krill Herd African Buffalo Optimization (HKH-ABO) mechanism for early pancreatic computed tomography (CT) image classification of pancreatic cancer. A new Wienmed filter is created for pre-processing the noisy CT image content after the system is successfully trained on pancreatic CT pictures. In addition, the proposed CFCN with the HKH-ABO pathway distinguishes between pancreatic cancerous and non-pancreatic cancerous forms of the disease. &lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The accuracy of the CFCNN for the analysis of pancreatic cancer was 98.87%, showing that the various volumes of the 3DIRCAD datasets analyzed had a combined accuracy rate of 99% for training and 99% for testing. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; The combination of advanced biomarker identification, BNC1 and ADAMTS1 methylation, and nanoparticle-based targeting further enhances the precision and efficacy of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a result, advancements in medical study are steadily going in the direction of the installation of automation machines that determine the phases of cancers and, if directly touched, provide better guidance and therapy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The detection of foot-and-mouth disease is limited to BSL-3 laboratories and its detection in carrier animals require increased test sensitivity. In-situ-hybridisation utilises the propensity of a labelled single-stranded sequence of DNA or RNA to anneal to a complementary target. It can be performed on formalin-fixed tissues and with some of the most recent advances, show an increased test sensitivity. BaseScope™ incorporates an additional signal amplification step, which makes it possible to detect RNA splicing variants, point mutations, small insertions or deletions, and short RNA targets (50-300 nucleotides). This study aimed to adjust and optimise the BaseScope™ assay to detect foot-and-mouth disease virus in a novel, carrier wildlife species, i.e., buffalo. Specific steps were adjusted to attempt to address some of the rigidity involved in the workflow. However, none of the in-house reagents or equipment attempted as an alternative to the original and prescribed workflow was successful. This demonstrates the fastidious nature of this diagnostic modality and the synergistic characteristics of a commercial assay. However, keeping tissues in formalin for up to 7 days and storing cut sections for up to 3 months did not have a negative impact on the results. This further demonstrated the reliability of BaseScope™.

Glossina pallidipes, a major vector of African trypanosomiasis, plays a notable role in disease transmission across eastern and southern Africa due to its broad host range, ecological adaptability, and vectorial capacity. This study combined machine learning using 69 environmental, climatic, edaphic, and developmental variables and genetic analysis to delineate the environmental and phylogenetic structuring of G. pallidipes populations. Kernel density estimation revealed three primary hotspots in the Ethiopian and East African Highlands and the Northern Zimbabwe Lowveld, with a secondary focus along the Maasai Steppe. Most occurrences were associated with tropical savanna climates and sparsely populated natural and semi-natural landscapes. Ensemble modelling using five algorithms identified temperature seasonality, precipitation of the coldest quarter, and diurnal temperature range as the strongest predictors of occurrence, highlighting the dominant influence of thermal variability over precipitation metrics. Among developmental factors, larviposition and mortality rates during the dry quarter were most influential, reflecting the role of humidity in reproductive success. K-means Clustering revealed three ecologically distinct groups following an east–west gradient, shaped by elevation, aridity, and thermal variability. Decision tree analysis identified the Köppen Aridity Index and elevation as key discriminators among clusters. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI sequences demonstrated clear geographic structuring, with a divergent Ethiopian lineage and high connectivity between Kenyan and Tanzanian populations. Frequent co-occurrence with the African buffalo and the common warthog further supports ecological continuity across savanna mosaics. These results reveal that G. pallidipes populations are primarily structured by climatic gradients and regional connectivity, informing targeted, region-specific vector control strategies.

Global foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control policy is largely based on nineteenth-century British ideas about the disease. This partiality risks creating the impression that these ideas of the disease are universal. In this article, therefore, we provincialise the notion of FMD by describing how veterinarians came to know the disease in colonial and postcolonial Botswana. Specifically, we focus on the 1960s and 1970s to write a postcolonial, more-than-human history that details how the African buffalo was identified as the reservoir host for the disease. We point to the local interactions between veterinarians and the buffalo, but also describe the ‘external’ pressure that veterinarians felt to find a culprit. As such, we present a geographically nuanced and historically informed understanding of FMD that challenges the assumed universality of British ideas about FMD, and exposes the ways in which these ideas shaped and continue to shape environmental and socio-economic realities in Southern Africa. This article was published open access under a CC BY 4.0 licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

The cultural heritage of a people defines the people. Cultural heritage refers to the physical and intangible artefacts, traditions and values that are passed down from one generation to another within a community or society, nation or race. Over the years, it has been observed that cultural heritage studies have been bogged by optimization challenges in the areas of resource allocation, route planning and site selection. Providing solutions using the African Buffalo Optimization is the focus of this paper. The relationship between the African Buffalo Optimization which is a swarm optimization technique in computer science and cultural heritage is also examined using the qualitative research method. Using the analytical research method, not an experimental one, to track the relationship between humanities, computer science, Artificial Intelligence, cultural studies and the social sciences, this paper highlights the application of the African Buffalo Optimization to confronting the challenges of cultural heritage and concludes that the algorithm can be applied to optimize various processes, such as digital preservation and conservation, collection management and curation, exhibition and display design, community engagement and participation and cultural heritage tourism management. Such application benefits the global cultural heritage organizations and institutions in several ways. It is, therefore, recommended that the global research community in cultural studies, digital humanities and social sciences should explore the use of swarm optimization techniques, in general, and the African Buffalo Optimization, in particular, to cultural heritage research and scholarship.

South African adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with HIV experience worse HIV-related clinical and psychological outcomes compared to older South Africans. Psychological resilience is protective against poorer outcomes, but little is known about disparities in psychological resilience among AYAs with HIV nor the mechanisms by which these differences arise. This study analyzed baseline data from a cohort of 100 AYA ages 18-24 years in Cape Town and Buffalo City. Mediation analyses revealed that high health literacy was associated with a more satisfactory patient-provider relationship, a more satisfactory patient-provider relationship was associated with a greater degree of psychological resilience, and the indirect effect of health literacy on psychological resilience was significant. These findings suggest that high health literacy and strong patient-provider relationships may be associated with greater psychological resilience among AYAs with HIV. By identifying these modifiable factors, this study highlights how public health interventions aimed at strengthening health literacy and the patient-provider relationship may enhance psychological resilience in this vulnerable population.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are a growing global concern, contributing to emerging and re-emerging diseases in humans and animals. Human encroachment into natural habitats and unregulated wildlife translocations are key drivers of TBP emergence, as they expand wildlife-livestock-human interfaces and facilitate the introduction of alien TBPs into naïve hosts and new regions. Accurate molecular surveillance is essential to guide management strategies and prevent clinical outbreaks. This study conducted a cross-sectional molecular screening of TBPs in wildlife from 22 host species sampled over a four year period from 2021 to 2024 across eight South African protected areas: Kruger (KNP), Karoo (KaNP), Camdeboo (CaNP), Mountain Zebra (MZNP), Mokala (MokNP), and Addo Elephant (AENP) National Parks, as well as Lapalala Wilderness (LWR), and Timbavati (TPNR) Nature Reserves. A total of 572 spleen, liver and blood samples were tested for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Coxiella, Theileria and Babesia spp. using Reverse Line Blot hybridization, with confirmation by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Prevalence, confidence intervals, risk factors and co-infections were also assessed. High prevalence (50-100 %) of Anaplasma/Ehrlichia and Theileria/Babesia spp. was recorded. Anaplasma marginale was detected in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer; KNP), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros; CaNP), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus; AENP), hippo (Hippopotamus amphibius; TPNR), and eland (Taurotragus oryx; KaNP), while zoonotic A. capra was found in a hippo. Coxiella burnetii was detected in all sampled areas and in multiple species, including African buffalo, wild dog (Lycaon pictus), black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), eland, gemsbok (Oryx gazella), zebra (Equus quagga), hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus), springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), and warthog. SFG Rickettsia spp., including R. africae and R. felis, were detected in 18 animals. Babesia bigemina was found in springbok (MokNP). These findings reveal widespread TBP presence in South African wildlife and highlight the need for ongoing surveillance to mitigate spillover risks and protect ecosystems and public health. While high prevalences were observed, clinical impacts of these infections on wildlife remain unclear.