Bovine babesiosis: A general review

The health and production in domestic animals are influenced by various factors; among them parasites constitute the most important pathogenic agents. Tick-transmitted hemoparasites of the protozoan genus Babesia (phylum Apicomplexa) are the second most common blood-borne parasites of mammals after the trypanosomes. In worldwide, Babesiosis is one of the most important tick-borne disease caused by Babesia spp. occur in cattle which causes economic losses to the farming community by reducing the milk and meat production Bovine Babesiosis is characterized by high fever, hemoglobinuria, anaemia, inappetence, pink pale to pale mucous membrane, swollen lymph node and suspended rumination with mild to moderate tick infestation. Detection and treatment of babesiosis are important tools to control babesiosis. Microscopy detection methods are still the cheapest and fastest methods used to identify Babesia parasites although their sensitivity and specificity are limited. For years, babesiosis treatment has been based on the use of very few drugs like imidocarb or diminazene aceturate. Controlling and removing babesiosis's vector, the Boophilus tick, is the most effective way to fight the disease. Tick prevention with acaricides, immunisation of vulnerable stock, chemoprophylaxis, treatment of infected livestock, stock movement control, and raising tick-resistant cattle are some of the latest control measures used.