Review on Bovine Babesiosis and its Economical Importance - Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease of cattle caused by the protozoan parasites. The causative agents of Babesiosis are specific for particular species of animals. In cattle: B. bovisand B. bigemina are the common species involved in babesiosis. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp., the principal vectors of B. bovis and B. bigemina, are widespread in tropical and subtropical countries. Babesia multiplies in erythrocytes by asynchronous binary fission, resulting in considerable pleomorphism. Babesia produces acute disease by two principle mechanism; hemolysis and circulatory disturbance. Affected animals suffered from marked rise in body temperature, loss of appetite, cessation of rumination, labored breathing, emaciation, progressive hemolytic anemia, various degrees of jaundice (Icterus). Lesions include an enlarged soft and pulpy spleen, a swollen liver, a gall bladder distended with thick granular bile, congested dark-coloured kidneys and generalized anemia and jaundice. The disease can
be diagnosis by identification of the agent by using direct microscopic examination, nucleic acid-based diagnostic assays, in vitro culture and animal inoculation as well as serological tests like indirect fluorescent antibody, complement fixation and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays tests. Babesiosis occurs throughout the world. However, the distribution of the causative protozoa is governed by the geographical and seasonal distribution of the insect vectors. Recently Babesia becomes the most widespread parasite due to exposure of 400 million cattle to infection through the world, with consequent heavy economic losses such as mortality, reduction in meat and milk yield and indirectly through control measures of ticks. Different researches conducted in Ethiopia reveal the prevalence of the disease in different parts of the country. The most commonly used compounds for the treatment of babesiosis are diminazene diaceturate, imidocarb, and amicarbalide. Active prevention and control of Babesiosis is achieved by three main methods: immunization, chemoprophylaxis and vector control.