Prevalence of intracellular hemoprotozoal diseases in large ruminants in Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India

Introduction

Haemoprotozoan infections are prevalent among large ruminants and result in substantial losses for the livestock sector globally. The combination of widespread infection and inadequate management practices contributes to significant economic impacts (Ayadi et [2,8,3] . Ticks serve as principal vectors for multiple diseases affecting both animals and humans, ranking as critical disease carriers after mosquitoes. Marked seasonal variations are evident in the occurrence of blood parasite-caused diseases in large ruminants, with environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity playing crucial roles in tick infestation and proliferation. Studies report that indigenous breeds tend to demonstrate greater resistance to certain infections, even without specialized management, and are generally less susceptible to protozoan diseases than crossbred cattle (Ghosh et al., 2018) [4] . The incidence of haemoprotozoan diseases peaks during the monsoon season, as the warmth and humidity during this period promote tick proliferation and enhance parasite transmission (Vahora et al., 2012) [17] . Heavy tick infestations result in considerable blood loss, leaving cattle weakened and stunted. Ticks are recognized as a significant threat, causing not only stress and hypersensitivity but also reducing skin value, inducing immunodepression, weight loss, and tick-induced toxicosis in cattle (Lorusso et al., 2013) [9] . They commonly infest regions with rich blood supply, such as the inguinal or groin areas and external genitals, where thinner and shorter hair allows for easier penetration of tick mouthparts into the vascular skin. (Sajid, 2007) [14] . Globally, dairy cattle continually contend with infectious threats (Haque et al. 2018; Pervez et al. 2018) [5, 11], among which Bovine Theileriosis (BTH) is considered the most impactful parasitic disease (Jenkins, 2018) [7] . The current study documented the month-wise prevalence of Theileriosis, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis in large ruminants, primarily diagnosed through clinical observations and microscopic examination. Tropical theileriosis tends to be more severe in exotic and crossbred cattle (Bos Taurus) than in indigenous cattle (Bos indicus), reflecting differences in breed susceptibility. Theileria annulata was first identified in Transcaucasian cattle in 1904, initially named Piroplasma annulatum, but was later reclassified as T. annulata following the discovery of its schizont stage in its life cycle (Weir, 2006) [18] . Among the various species, T. annulata is considered the most pathogenic and is the predominant species reported in India (Spickler, 2010) [16] . The primary vector responsible for transmitting Theileria infections is the Hyalomma tick, accounting for approximately 80% of transmission cases. Additionally, the pooled prevalence estimate for B. bigemina infection in India is higher at 7%, compared to B. bovis, which has a prevalence of about 1% (Jacob et al., 2022) [6] .

Material and Methods

All animals were clinically examined to record various physiological parameters such as body temperature, the color of the conjunctival and vaginal mucous membranes, and any enlargement of superficial lymph nodes before sample collection. Approximately 5 ml of blood was aseptically drawn from the jugular vein into K₃EDTA tubes. Thin blood smears were prepared from these samples and examined under a microscope at 100× magnification using an oil immersion lens to detect haemoprotozoan parasites, following the procedure described by Soulsby (1982) [15] . The blood samples were collected from clinical cases attended by veterinary officers at different centers, exclusively by the Banas Dairy veterinary staff, from large ruminants exhibiting severe tick infestations and other clinical signs; therefore, no separate ethical approval was required. The study was conducted in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, covering four talukas Palanpur, Vadgam, Amirgadh and Danta between March 2020 and February 2023. A total of 46,724 blood samples were collected from large ruminants across these regions. The collected blood samples were used to prepare thin smears, which were fixed with absolute methanol, stained using the field stain method, and examined under a 100× oil immersion microscope for the detection of haemoprotozoan organisms.

Results and Discussion

Seasons: The incidence of disease was compared across four seasons summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter following the standard seasonal classification provided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Government of India. Theileriosis and babesiosis were most prevalent in the monsoon, followed by summer, with lower rates in winter and post-monsoon. Anaplasmosis peaked in monsoon, then postmonsoon and winter. Mixed infections were highest in the monsoon (Table 1). [12] , Vahora et al. (2012) [17] , Roy et al.

Season

(2004) [13] , and Ananda et al. (2009) [1] . They found the highest prevalence of haemoprotozoal infection in monsoon months.  The high prevalence in the monsoon season might be due to the high tick population in the hot and humid environment. The incidence of theileriosis was not seasonal but occurred irregularly throughout the year due to the prevailing macroclimate, which is needed to spread the disease (Palanivel et al., 2006) [10] .  Prophylactic measures, vaccination, tick eradication, selection of tick-resistant cattle breeds, chemotherapy, immunization, etc.

Conclusion

The study detailed the distribution of haemoprotozoan infections in large ruminants in Banaskantha district, highlighting an increasing disease prevalence in Gujarat that challenges existing haemoprotozoa and tick control strategies. With climate change threatening to expand tick habitats, a reassessment of tick control measures is urgently needed. The investigation assessed factors influencing tick disease outbreaks, emphasizing their significant economic impact on cattle farmers through mortality, reduced productivity, and higher medical costs. Since many farmers rely on cattle as a safety net during crises like crop failure, their welfare must be prioritized. Effective control measures addressing both abiotic and biotic factors are essential to mitigate tick-borne diseases. Understanding seasonal disease dynamics can support early warning systems to lessen risks in livestock rearing. Future policies should target controlled crossbreeding, closely monitored medication programs, and robust tick control strategies to reduce disease prevalence.

Suggestions

 Haemoprotozoal disease mainly occurs due to ticks, so we should scientifically conduct a tick control program.  Nowadays, Resistance is found against routinely used acaricidal drugs like deltamethrin & cypermethrin, so we should use other drugs for tick control.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentsThe facilities provided by Managing Director Shree, Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Ltd., are highly appreciated

References

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