Investigation of infection in bullfighting cattle in Southern Thailand.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

infection has been reported in Thai livestock such as beef and dairy cattle. However, there is little information on infection in bullfighting cattle in Southern Thailand. The aim of this study was to investigate the infection of in bullfighting cattle presented for health checks at the Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood and serum samples were collected from 177 bullfighting cattle from April 2016 to February 2017 after bullfighting matches. Animal inspected showed signs of fever, weight loss, or exercise intolerance. Investigation of infection was tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with TBR primers and using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with crude antigen.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of in bullfighting cattle was 22.60% (40/177). The PCR results detected no parasite DNA in this study. However, bullfighting cattle may serve as reservoirs.

CONCLUSION

Health checking procedures for should be promoted for bullfighting events so that infected animals can be quarantined in the preparatory stages of such events.