Prevalence of piroplasmosis (Theileriosis and Babesiosis) among goats in Duhok Governorate

Abstract

The prevalence of Theileria hirci and Babesia motasi was studied in goats in the Duhok area of Iraq from April to September 2010. A total of 500 local black breed goats represent 35 flocks of different localities were clinically and then in laboratory examined for the presence of piroplasmosis in blood smears. The study revealed that 20.8% of the goats infected with T. hirci and 4% infected with Babesia motasi. Prevalence of piroplasms infection between male and female and between different age groups of goats was statistically significant. Hematological findings, showed a significant decrease in red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume beside the significant increase in the mean corpuscular volume. No changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration values were noted. Macrocytic and normochromic type of anemia was found