Prevalence and risk factors associated with tropical theileriosis in Egyptian dairy cattle.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

is the most prevalent piroplasm infecting cattle across Egypt. Theileriosis is transmitted by ixodid ticks of the genus . This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and their associated risk factors for infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 570 blood samples were collected from cattle from five governorates (administrative districts) in Egypt and examined using a polymerase chain reaction assay to estimate the prevalence of tropical theileriosis and assess the associated risk factors.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence rate was 16.49%, with the Alexandria district having the highest prevalence. The results revealed that the risk of theileriosis was elevated in older cattle (odds ratio [OR]=8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-21.9), especially in summers (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.4-6.3). Cattle heavily infested with ticks were at particular risk (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 2.1-4.5), as were those to which acaricide had not been applied (OR=13.7, 95% CI: 5.6-33.6).

CONCLUSION

Understanding the risk factors associated with infection and regular infection monitoring could reduce infection rates and economic losses and is essential for the implementation of efficient control programs.