Active Surveillance of Babesia Infection and Risk Factors Involved, in Sheep Host, in District Multan, Pakistan

Abstract

This is the first cross sectional study in the region that involves the molecular detection of ovine Babesia from different farms located at different administrative towns in district Multan, Pakistan. Animal blood samples were screened for the presence of Babesia infection using PCR amplification assay. A total of 400 (69.8%) of 573 sheep investigated yielded 146 bp DNA and considered PCR positive for Babesia infection. The occurrences of Babesia spp. ranged from 57.9% to 83.6 0% from different towns of Multan. Statistically significant association (p <0.05) of ovine babesiosis was found in younger animal compared to older ones. Babesia infection was detected significantly higher in Lohi breed (71.3%) compared to Kajli (54.6%) and Khadali (44.4%) breeds respectively. Tick infestation and season was found significant risk factors for the spread of ovine babesiosis. The high occurrence of Babesia infection in this study highlights the need for proper control and preventive measure of ovine babesiosis.