Prevalence of Babesia bovis in cattle in Tikreet city and its surroundings with hematological study

Abstract

This study included the detection of infection with Babesia bovis in cattle in Tikreet city and its surroundings. Ninety seven blood samples were taken from cattle and covered various random ages ranged between 6 months and 4 years. The results revealed that the rate of Babesia bovis infection was 8.8% . The most observed transmission occurred in summer and autumn months and ceased in winter. Amongst aged subsets of host population Babesia bovis generally infected older hosts.Hematological studies revealed a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration in babesiosis positive animals as compared to negative control. These records may be considered the first in Tikreet city, Salahedeen governorate.