Clinical and Morpho-Molecular epidemiology of bovine theileriosis in Kashmir, India

Abstract

Total 1683 cattle were screened for Theileria infections for one calendar year. The overall incidence was 4.34%. It was highest in summer (7.57%), followed by autumn (3.51%). Cattle above 2 years of age (6.19%) particularly Holstein Friesian Cross (5.81%), followed by Jersey Cross (2.77%) were highly infected. Female (4.49%) were mostly affected as compared to male (3.14%). Affected animals showed persistent high fever, tachycardia, tachypnea and reduced ruminal motility. Other important clinical signs were emaciation, swelling of pre-scapular lymph nodes, inappetence, pale mucous membranes or congested mucous membranes, occulo-nasal discharge, corneal opacity, presence of ticks, salivation, coughing and decreased milk production. The diagnostic efficacy of PCR was highest (100%, 73/73), followed by peripheral blood smears examination (93.15%, 68/73) and lymph node biopsy (49.31%, 36/73). There is a consistent increase in the incidence of bovine theileriosis which may be due climate change and import of carrier animals from the neighbouring states.