Sheep Ovis Research Articles

Recent enrichment of megafauna in the north of Eurasia supports the concept of Pleistocene rewilding

‘Pleistocene rewilding' refers to the concept of restoring ecosystems to their state during the Pleistocene epoch, by (re‐)introducing species or their close relatives that were present during that time, in an effort to revive ecological processes that existed before human‐driven extinctions. This concept is highly controversial for both ethical and ecological reasons. Here I review evidence of recent northward range expansions of various large land mammals in boreal Eurasia, and discuss whether this provides evidence that rewilding projects might be justified and feasible. Around 100 years ago, the native boreal fauna of Eurasia included five species of large land mammals: moose Alces alces, brown bear Ursus arctos, wolf Canis lupus, reindeer Rangifer tarandus, and snow sheep Ovis nivicola, but since then the list has expanded. This is due to the introduction of bison Bison bonasus, Bison bison, muskox Ovibos moschatus, non‐native deer, and feral horses, as well as the northward expansion of wild boar Sus scrofa, roe deer Capreolus capreolus, Capreolus pygargus, and red deer Cervus canadensis. In addition, several southern species temporarily occurred in the north, including tiger Panthera tigris, sika deer Cervus nippon, and yak Bos grunniens. This ongoing enrichment of the boreal fauna is reminiscent to Pleistocene rewilding. However, so far, the abundance of expanding large mammals species remains low. Large‐scale projects on Pleistocene rewilding are labor‐intensive, expensive, and not popular enough to receive support, and therefore their realization is problematic

Carnivore exclosures to protect sheep affect the distribution of a wild cervid

With the recent recovery of large carnivores in Europe, preventive measures to protect livestock are on the rise. Fences that exclude carnivores from grazing areas have been proven as effective, but they can be costly as well as posing a barrier for wildlife. We studied the effect of exclosures of > 10 km2 to protect sheep Ovis aries on the distribution and density of moose Alces alces using fecal pellet group counts in two study areas in southeastern Norway. During the summer grazing season, the fences were powered. Outside of the grazing season, one exclosure remained fenced while the other fence was demounted. This quasi‐experimental setting allowed us to investigate whether fences had a barrier effect for moose, and/or whether moose density was affected by interactions with sheep (competition or facilitation) or large carnivores (refuge hypothesis). During winter, moose pellet group density was about equal inside and outside of the exclosure with demounted wire strands, but less than half inside the permanently fenced exclosure compared to outside, indicating a potential fragmentation effect of the fence. During the grazing season, when wire strands were powered, moose pellet group density was equal or doubled inside as compared to outside both exclosures. Moose may have sought refuge from large carnivores inside the fences. Fecal pellet group densities of moose and sheep inside the fence were neither positively (facilitation) nor negatively (competition) correlated. However, moose used young forest, the most used habitat type by sheep, to a lesser extent inside than outside of the exclosures, maybe due to interference competition. Our study demonstrates that livestock protection fences can have an impact on more than the targeted wildlife species. To understand the mechanisms behind direct and indirect effects of fences, monitoring the movement and survival of individuals by means of GPS and camera traps would be needed.

Weekend warriors: contrasting temporal patterns in the harvest of three species of boreal ungulates

Understanding the drivers that shape hunter behaviour and success can help guide management decisions regarding hunting. Although there has been work on the socioeconomic and environmental drivers of hunter effort, less quantitative analysis of the temporal patterns of wildlife harvest has been available. Yet, knowing when hunters are most active may be useful for distributing the spatiotemporal allotment of hunting opportunities where real or perceived issues of hunt quality (e.g. hunter congestion) or negative impacts to local people or target and non‐target wildlife species are of concern. As a case study, we used generalized linear models to examine the effect of season, day of week (i.e. weekday versus weekends), and holidays on 26–28 years of harvest data for bison Bison bison, thinhorn sheep Ovis dalli, and moose Alces americanus in Yukon, Canada. These species are important in regional socioecological systems and highly prized by local hunters. For all three species, harvest was significantly greater on weekends than weekdays. Most of the harvest for thinhorn sheep occurred early in the season, consistent with an ‘opening day' phenomenon, whereas that for moose and bison started slowly and increased throughout the season. For all three species harvest was not significantly influenced by holidays. Bison harvest, however, was influenced in relation to public school holidays, with harvest decreasing over the winter (Christmas) break and increasing over spring break in March. Differences between these three species are likely due to species‐specific hunting strategies, the behaviour of each species, hunter competition, and seasonal climate. Identifying patterns in hunter effort and harvest can inform wildlife management decisions on permit allocation. However, our data indicate that species‐specific patterns vary substantially, even in the same region, and need to be understood for proposed changes to the timing of hunting opportunities to be effective.

High genetic diversity of Anaplasma ovis in sheep from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ovine anaplasmosis (sensu stricto) is a rickettsial blood disease caused by the tick-borne species Anaplasma ovis. The disease is characterized by mild anemia, fever, and icterus. A more severe clinical presentation is possible in non-endemic areas. There is no existing data on the presence of Anaplasma ovis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, given the country's location within the Mediterranean Basin and the recent molecular detection of Babesia ovis, it is plausible that sheep in the region could naturally be infected with this tick-borne pathogen. Blood samples from 81 sheep in the Podrinje and Herzegovina areas were examined by PCR. PCR positivity was found in 38 (46.9%) cases indicating a high number of infected sheep. Mixed infections with Babesia ovis and A.ovis were observed in 63.3% of cases. A higher number of positive sheep was recorded in the area of Herzegovina. Phylogenetic analysis of the gltA, groEL, and msp4 genes of A. ovis revealed numerous genotypes and significant genetic variability. This diversity was not related to geographic origin, tick-borne infection status, or sheep breeding practices in Podrinje and Herzegovina. The data obtained in this study suggest that the emergence of new genotypes and the high genetic variability of A. ovis are driven by specific local and micro-environmental factors.

Evaluating serum electrolyte and trace element variations between Babesia ovis-infected and uninfected Lohi sheep

Babesiosis caused by Babesia ovis is a major threat to the livestock industry worldwide. In Pakistan, the Lohi sheep breed is an important economic resource, but limited information is available on the impact of B. ovis infection on this breed. This study aimed to investigate the serum electrolyte and trace element variations between B. ovis-infected and uninfected Lohi sheep from Pakistan. A total of 97 Lohi sheep was stratified based on the geographical distribution of Multan district, employing a multistage cluster sampling method. Blood and serum samples were collected from randomly selected sheep, and DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed to detect B. ovis infection. Serum electrolyte and trace element levels were analyzed in infected (n=67) and uninfected (n=30) groups, stratified by age and gender. The study revealed a 69.07% overall infection rate of B. ovis in Lohi sheep. Infected sheep showed significantly elevated serum copper levels (p<0.0001), with no substantial differences observed in serum iron, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels. However, age-wise variance analysis revealed statistically significant variations in sodium and potassium levels (p<0.0001 and p<0.05, respectively). Notably, serum chloride levels differed between infected and uninfected females in individuals younger than two years (p<0.05). Serum iron levels remained consistent across different age groups. Comparative analysis indicated a higher prevalence of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, and hypoferremia, in infected sheep compared to normal reference ranges, while instances of hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and hyperferremia were less frequent. In conclusion, our study suggests that B. ovis infections could lead to alterations in serum electrolyte and trace element levels in Lohi sheep, emphasizing the importance of further research into the specific mechanisms driving these alterations to enhance disease management strategies tailored to this breed.

Serological and Molecular Survey of Babesia ovis in Healthy Sheep in Türkiye

Babesiosis, caused by Babesia ovis, is a major seasonal issue in sheep, particularly in countries like Türkiye with high Rhipicephalus bursa tick populations. Previous studies employing various methods such as microscopy, serology, or molecular techniques have reported different epidemiological data concerning ovine babesiosis. Addressing this knowledge gap, our study employed a combined nested PCR (nPCR)/indirect ELISA (iELISA) approach, analyzing blood samples collected from 414 sheep between April and July 2023 using both techniques. nPCR amplified the 18S ribosomal RNA gene of B. ovis and determined a molecular prevalence of 1.9%. Conversely, serological testing using iELISA targeted the BoSA1 antigen and revealed a significantly higher positivity rate of 59.9% for anti-B. ovis antibodies. The temporary presence of Babesia after recovery reduces nPCR sensitivity, resulting in lower molecular prevalence. However, even if Babesia is not present in the host, anti-B. ovis antibodies remain in the serum for a long time and can be detected serologically. Our study underscores the necessity of concurrently employing molecular and serological methods for an accurate assessment of B. ovis prevalence. It highlights the importance of comprehensive epidemiological approaches for effective disease management in sheep populations.

First report on molecular characterization of Oestrus ovis in sheep from India.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-024-01666-2.

Prevalence and seasonal aspects of parasitism by Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae) in sheep from Mato Grosso State, Brazil.

Oestrus ovis larvae are obligate parasites of vertebrates and cause cavitary myiasis (oestrosis) in sheep and goats. It is also reported as a zoonosis causing ophthalmomyiasis and nasopharyngeal myiasis. Despite being relatively common in Brazil, epidemiological studies on O. ovis are scarce. Considering that the infestation is influenced by the climate and biomes of the studied region, we aimed to investigate the seasonal prevalence of O. ovis among slaughtered sheep in the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The heads of sheep (n=697) slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in the municipality of Terra Nova do Norte (November 2011 to November 2013) were collected to count, catalog, and identify the larvae found in the upper respiratory tract. Overall, 45.77% (319/697) of the animals were infested with 2,412 recovered larvae, 96.89% (2,337/2,412) of which were identified at the species level as O. ovis. Seasonal variations in prevalence ranged from 41% (spring) to 56% (summer); however, no correlation was observed between prevalence and season, mean humidity, or temperature. In conclusion, parasitism by O. ovis in sheep in the studied area, occurs year-round, considering the occurrence of larvae (L1, L2, and L3) throughout the year, probably because of the area's environmental conditions.

Phylogenetic status and diet of red fox (Vulpes vulpes griffithii) inhabiting Ayubia National Park, Pakistan

Abstract The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a medium-sized carnivore that occurs in different regions of Pakistan, however, still lacks scientific data on its ecology and distribution. The current study investigated the phylogenetic status and diet of the red fox (V.v. griffithii) occurring in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan. Through camera trapping and molecular analysis, we confirmed the occurrence of red fox in the study area. Based on mitochondrial cytochrome B (304 bp) and limited sampling, nearly all red foxes of Ayubia National Park and surrounding Himalayan ranges fall within Holarctic maternal lineage, whereas red foxes found in plains of Pakistan are part of the basal Palearctic maternal lineage. Using 32 scats, we found that red fox diet comprises of 80% animal-based prey species (both wild and domestic) and 19% plant matter. The wild animal prey species included Cape hare (Lepus capensis) and flying squirrel (Pteromyini sp.), which constituted 17% and 15% of diet, respectively. Red foxes infrequently consumed House mouse (Mus musculus), Himalayan Palm civet (Paguma larvata) and sheep (Ovis aries), each comprising around 6% to 9% of red fox diet. The fox species also scavenged on domestic donkey opportunistically. Based on our sampling, our study suggests that the red fox (V.v. griffithii) that occurs in Ayubia National Park and across the lesser Himalayan ranges belongs to Holarctic maternal lineage. The study also highlights consumption of plant seeds by red foxes, indicating it may play an important ecological role in seed dispersal in Ayubia National Park.

First record of Melophagus ovinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) for Nuevo Leon, Mexico

The sheep ked Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae: Lipopteninae), an ectoparasite of the domestic sheep Ovis aries (Artiodactyla: Bovidae: Caprinae), was recorded for the first time in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. This dipteran has a cosmopolitan distribution, likely found wherever its preferred host is present. Records of this parasite in Mexico are scarce and dispersed throughout the literature.

A New Species of Demodex (Acariformes: Prostigmata) Observed in the Mouflon, Ovis aries musimon (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) with Data on the Parasitism and Occurrence of Other Ectoparasites.

A greater understanding of mite biodiversity and ecology can explain their preference for microhabitats within host bodies, i.e., as ecto-, meso-, and endoparasites. Similarly, learning about the patterns formed by mite communities in wild animals can shed light on the mechanisms of parasitosis development in their domesticated counterparts. Hence, the present study examined the acarofauna of the mouflon, introduced to Poland in the early 20th century from a region of endemic occurrence. Forty-one individuals were examined for the presence of ectoparasites between 2010 and 2013; later, skin fragments were analysed for the presence of skin mites. A new species of Demodecidae, Demodex musimonis sp. nov., was discovered in the skin of the pasterns of 14.6% mouflons, as well as the ectoparasitic tick Ixodes ricinus (prevalence 29.3%) and ungulate-typical fly Lipoptena cervi (34.1%). However, no mites typical for ovine Ovis (Psorergatidae, Psoroptidae) were noted, nor any colonisation of microhabitats by species from local ungulates, resulting from the loss of original parasites during the introduction. A comparison of the acarofauna of the mouflon and domestic sheep Ovis aries aries suggests that a mite community with a complex structure and the co-occurrence of different families may be formed. However, it is not known whether the acarofauna of domestic sheep is derived from wild ancestors or the process of domestication. Even so, the peculiar Demodecidae must have been part of the natural parasitofauna of wild sheep, of which only D. musimonis sp. nov. has been recognised so far.

Long-lasting infection with Anaplasma ovis in sheep

Ovine anaplasmosis is an emerging vector-borne disease in Europe caused by Anaplasma ovis. The infection has spread quickly in recent years, causing moderate to severe outbreaks in sheep flocks, leading to relevant economic losses in sheep farming. This wider spread has been associated with global warming and climate change, favouring the maintenance and life cycle of their main vector, the ticks. However, another epidemiological aspect could favour this quick spread. Long persistence infection of Anaplasma ovis has been proposed as a hypothesis in several articles but never scientifically proven. The results of the present study demonstrate that eight adult sheep, both naturally or experimentally infected, maintain Anaplasma ovis load in blood during their whole productive life (4 to 6 years), being permanently infected. In addition, the results suggest that A. ovis bacterial load can be constant or suffer fluctuations, as has been demonstrated in other Anaplasma species. Both aspects can be determinants in the epidemiology and the transmission of the infection.

Population connectivity patterns of genetic diversity, immune responses and exposure to infectious pneumonia in a metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep.

Habitat fragmentation is an important driver of biodiversity loss and can be remediated through management actions aimed at maintenance of natural connectivity in metapopulations. Connectivity may protect populations from infectious diseases by preserving immunogenetic diversity and disease resistance. However, connectivity could exacerbate the risk of infectious disease spread across vulnerable populations. We tracked the spread of a novel strain of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in a metapopulation of desert bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni in the Mojave Desert to investigate how variation in connectivity among populations influenced disease outcomes. M. ovipneumoniae was detected throughout the metapopulation, indicating that the relative isolation of many of these populations did not protect them from pathogen invasion. However, we show that connectivity among bighorn sheep populations was correlated with higher immunogenetic diversity, a protective immune response and lower disease prevalence. Variation in protective immunity predicted infection risk in individual bighorn sheep and was associated with heterozygosity at genetic loci linked to adaptive and innate immune signalling. Together, these findings may indicate that population connectivity maintains immunogenetic diversity in bighorn sheep populations in this system and has direct effects on immune responses in individual bighorn sheep and their susceptibility to infection by a deadly pathogen. Our study suggests that the genetic benefits of population connectivity could outweigh the risk of infectious disease spread and supports conservation management that maintains natural connectivity in metapopulations.

A new snow leopard record reflects the value of remote protected areas for connectivity

AbstractAs wildlife becomes more isolated in human-dominated and rapidly changing environments, species conservation requires investment in landscape connectivity. Identifying stepping stones (discrete areas of suitable habitat that facilitate the movement of dispersing individuals) can help meet connectivity goals. We report the occurrence of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia, over 250 km from the nearest known population, one of the easternmost records for the species. Ikh Nart Nature Reserve lies within a region considered highly resistant to movement but harbours high densities of argali sheep Ovis ammon and Siberian ibexes Capra sibirica, both important prey items for snow leopards. This occurrence reveals a new distribution record for the species, the capacity of the species to move across low-quality environments, the value of investment in community conservation and collaborative park management, and the role of remote protected areas such as Ikh Nart Nature Reserve as stepping stones for facilitating population expansion and broader connectivity to other potentially suitable but unoccupied areas.

Prevalence of Oestrus ovis in small ruminants from the eastern Iberian Peninsula. A long-term study.

Oestrus ovis is an obligate parasite that causes myiasis in domestic ruminants, being commonly found in the Mediterranean area. From 2009 to 2019 a total of 3476 heads of culling sheep and goats from the Mediterranean coast of Spain were examined for the presence of O. ovis. The total prevalence was 56.3%, significantly higher in sheep than in goats (61.2% and 43%, respectively). Differences were found in the mean annual prevalence, with the highest value being registered in 2018 (61.7%) and the lowest in 2012 (50.3%). Autumn, for sheep, and winter, for goats, were the seasons with the highest number of infested specimens. Temperature, but not rainfall, was found to be associated with prevalence (p < 0.05). Most L1 were found in the anatomic region I (septum, meatus, and ventral conchae), while L2 and L3 were mainly located in regions II (nasopharynx, ethmoid labyrinth, and dorsal conchae), and III (sinuses). The overall intensity was 12.8 larvae per head, significantly higher in sheep (13.3) than in goats (3.5). Our results confirm the high prevalence of O. ovis in sheep and goats in this geographic area over the last decade, with the trend increasing in recent years in association with higher mean temperatures.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Babesia ovis Infecting Sheep in Nigeria

Babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease that causes varying degrees of losses to animals and humans, as well as a severe economic impact. In Nigeria, there have been several reports on the prevalence of Babesia infection in sheep; however, to date, there is no documented report on the molecular characterization of Babesia ovis in sheep. Here, we determined the prevalence of Babesia infection in sheep using microscopy and PCR and further characterized Babesia ovis in sheep in Nigeria. In this study, 198 blood samples were collected from Abuja and Abeokuta, Nigeria. Microscopic and polymerase chain reactions were used to detect the presence of B. ovis in sheep. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and generic RLB forward and reverse primers were used to amplify the 18S rRNA segment of B. ovis. Sequence analysis of the generic molecular marker was used to determine the genetic characteristics of B. ovis in sheep in Nigeria. The prevalence of B. ovis infection using microscopy and PCR was 61.1% and 36.9%, respectively. There was a higher prevalence of Babesia infection in Abeokuta (38.4%) than in Abuja. Study animals of one and half years to three years had the highest percentage (45.8%) of Babesia infection, and higher infection of B. ovis was recorded in male animals (37.5%), balami breeds (40.0%), white coat colors (44.4%), emaciated animals (75.0%), and polycythaemic animals (57.1%). Sequencing analysis indicated that B. ovis 18S rRNA from southwestern Abeokuta and north-central Abuja, Nigeria, showed 90–95% identity of documented isolates from other countries. BioEdit and MEGAX software was used to clean sequences and construct a phylogenetic tree to show evolutionary relationships. In conclusion, the findings from this study offer significant information on the molecular characteristics of B. ovis infection for the first time in Nigeria, as well as its present prevalence status. Furthermore, sheep have been identified as a potential reservoir for this tick-borne pathogen; thus, the information from this study can serve as a basis to formulate effective control strategies for tick-borne pathogens circulating amongst the ruminant population in Nigeria and Africa by extension.

Identification of larvae of some species of family Oestridae causing myiasis in Wasit Province

This research included taxonomic study of the larvae of three species belonging to three genera of flies of family Oestridae (Diptera), that causing myiasis in domestic animals in Wasit province. The study included the center of the province, and arrondissementes and districts areas affiliate (Alhayy, Badrah , Numaniya arrondissementes , Sheikh Saad districts and Albesrukih region ) . They are Hypoderma lineatum (DeVillers), Oestrus ovis Linnaeus and Cephalopina titillator Clark. Taxonomic keys are designed to isolate the genus, as well as its species, depending on the structure of the Cephalopharyngal skeleton, mouth hook and posterior spiracales, the collection of these species, the type of the host and the history of combining areas were reported. Larvae were collected from live animals, and the injury as an essential part of the complete life cycle. The sheep were more susceptible to injury of myiasis followed by cows and camels. The results showed the presence of eleven case of larvae of Oestrus ovis in sheep in the center of the province, two in Albesrukih region , two cases in the arrondissementes of Badrah , one case in each of Numaniya arrondissementes and Sheikh Saad districts , larvae of Hypoderma lineatum in cows in each of the center of the province , Alhayy arrondissementes and Albesrukih districts . Two cases of myiasis recorded of larvae Cephalopina titillator in the camels in the center of the province.

Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae Bacteria in Egyptian Domestic Animals and Associated Ticks.

Piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis are serious tick-borne diseases (TBDs) that are concerning for the public and animal health. This study aimed to detect the molecular prevalence and epidemiological risk factors of Piroplasma and Anaplasma species in animal hosts and their associated ticks in Egypt. A total of 234 blood samples and 95 adult ticks were collected from animal hosts (112 cattle, 38 sheep, 28 goats, 26 buffaloes, 22 donkeys, and 8 horses) from six provinces of Egypt (AL-Faiyum, AL-Giza, Beni-Suef, Al-Minufia, Al-Beheira, and Matruh). Blood and tick samples were investigated by polymerase chain reaction coupled with sequencing targeting 18S and 16S RNA genes for Piroplasma and anaplasmataceae, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted on the potential epidemiological factors. Of the 234 animals examined, 54 (23.08%) were positive for pathogens DNA distributed among the six provinces, where 10 (4.27%) were positive for Piroplasma, 44 (18.80%) for anaplasmataceae, and 5 (2.14%) were co-infected. Co-infections were observed only in cattle as Theileria annulata and Anaplasma marginale plus Babesia bigemina, A. marginale plus B. bigemina, and T. annulata plus B. bigemina. Piroplasmosis was recorded in cattle, with significant differences between their prevalence in their tick infestation factors. Animal species, age, and tick infestation were the potential risk factors for anaplasmosis. All ticks were free from piroplasms, but they revealed high prevalence rates of 72.63% (69/95) with anaplasmataceae. We identified T. annulata, B. bigemina, and A. marginale in cattle; A. platys in buffaloes; A. marginale and A. ovis in sheep; for the first time, A. ovis in goats; and Ehrlichia sp. in Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks. Our findings confirm the significant prevalence of piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis among subclinical and carrier animals in Egypt, highlighting the importance of the government developing policies to improve animal and public health security.

The presence of malignant ovine babesiosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina indicates a possible emerging risk for Balkan region

Malignant ovine babesiosis or ovine babesiosis caused by Babesia ovis is an important hemoprotozoan tick-borne disease of sheep. After 70 years, a study was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the geographical areas of Podrinje and Eastern Herzegovina, aiming to molecularly identify and determine the presence of B. ovis infection in the sheep population. From 2019–2021, a clinical and molecular study was conducted in 53 flocks, and 192 sheep were examined, divided into two groups: clinically suspected and asymptomatic sheep. The presence of B. ovis was confirmed by PCR in blood samples of 75 % and 11.21 % of clinically affected and asymptomatic sheep, respectively. The majority of clinical cases of malignant ovine babesiosis were confirmed in the Rudo epidemiological unit (78.78 %) within the Podrinje region indicating typical seasonal pattern of disease occurrence and endemic focus. Rhipicephalus bursa was only tick species identified in Podrinje and Eastern Herzegovina. Acute form of disease was observed with dominant clinical signs of depression, fever, loss of appetite and respiratory distress. Fatal outcome was recorded in 12.28 % of cases. This study describes the molecular detection of B. ovis in sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time. To the authors knowledge, this survey represents a report of the highest number of clinical cases of malignant ovine babesiosis in Europe. Since the disease has been recorded in the south-eastern border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a high risk of disease transmission to a wider area of the Balkan region.

Phylogenetic study of theileria ovis and theileria lestoquardi in infected sheep and it is associated ticks in mosul city, Iraq

This is a first molecular report investigate the phylogenic analysis of Theileria spp. in sheep and it's infested ticks in Mosul city-Iraq. A total of 185 blood samples were collected from sheep in different areas of Mosul city. A sixty five Ixodid ticks were also collected from different parts of infected animals. The overall prevalence of Theileria spp. was 52.4% (97 out of 185), for Theileria ovis it was 9.7%, Theileria lestoquardi it was 20% and mixed infection it was 22.7% in sheep in Mosul city, based on conventional-PCR and multiplex-PCR techniques. the infestation rat of Ixodid ticks on sheep was 11.8% (22 out of 185) and three species of Ixodid ticks (n=65) were identified and classified: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum 37 (56.9%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus 16 (24.6%), Rh. turanicus 12 (18.4%) based on microscopic examination. BLASTn individual sequencing analysis of six sequences of 18S rRNA gene, composing sequences of T. ovis (n=3) (One extracted from sheep blood and two extracted from engorged female ticks), and sequences of T. lestoquardi (n=3) (One extracted from sheep blood and two extracted from engorged female ticks).