Evaluation on the presence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia spp. in goats (Capra hircus) in Cebu, the Philippines

Abstract

Background: Tick-borne diseases are caused by a wide variety of viruses, pathogens, and diseases. Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia spp. are among the most known tick-borne pathogens in Asia. In the Philippines, these pathogens were already reportedly present in dogs and large ruminants, but no study has been reported yet evaluating their presence in goats. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia spp. in goats in Cebu, the Philippines. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 blood samples from goats were collected in Cebu, the Philippines. Profile of sampled goats including age, body score, and sex was obtained. Peripheral blood smear examination and DNA extraction were performed. Nested polymerase chain reaction assay was used to evaluate the presence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia spp. Results: None of the samples were found positive with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia spp. infection. Conclusion: Tested goats were negative with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia spp. and calls for continuous surveillance of these pathogens due to the reported detection of these pathogens in other livestock animals in the area.