Abstract:
A molecular survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Theileria spp. infection and risk factors associated with theileriosis in sheep and goats during 2013 in Multan district, south of province Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 250 animals (sheep=156 and goats=94), from randomly selected herds were sampled, for collection of blood from different regions of Multan. Using a questionnaire data regarding animal characteristics including animal species, sex, age, breed and tick infestation and herd characteristics including location, size and composition was collected. Overall incidence of theileriosis in small ruminants was found to be 12.5 and 36% through blood smears and PCR assay, respectively. The frequency of Theileria spp. infection was found significantly (P<0.05) higher in sheep 72.2% (n=65) compared to goats 37.8% (n=25). Among Theileria spp., T. lestoquardi was recorded higher (50%) than T. ovis (26.7%) while overall mixed infection of both species was recorded 17.6% in small ruminants. Sheep and goat data, analyzed separately which indicated that the infection of T. lestoquardi was 57 and 52%, respectively while that of T. ovis was 41.7 and 26.6% in sheep and goats, respectively. The species, age, size and tick infestation on studied small ruminants were significant risk factors (P<0.05) associated with ovine and caprine theileriosis. In conclusion, small ruminants of Southern Punjab are infected with Theileria species with high prevalence rate of T. lestoquardi as compared to T. ovis.
Page(s):
150-157
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, Volume: 15, Issue: 3, Year: 2017
Keywords:
PCR
,
Ticks
,
Theileria species
,
Microscopic examination
,
Small ruminants