Identification Of Blood Parasites In Cattle And Buffaloes In Veterinary Teaching Farm, Umk Bachok

An abstract of the research paper presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, in partial requirement of the course DVT 55204 – Research Project. Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and theileriosis are major tick-borne diseases caused by blood parasites (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp.), which affect cattle and buffaloes that contribute to subclinical infections. This study aimed to detect and identify the blood parasites at the Veterinary Teaching Farm, UMK Bachok, microscopically. A total of 17 animals (16 cattle, one buffalo) were sampled for blood collection. Thin blood smears were prepared, stained, and examined under a microscope to identify Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. Co-infections between the parasites have been observed, and packed cell volume (PCV) was measured to assess the relationship between parasitic infections and anemia. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient. The study found a high prevalence of Anaplasma spp. (86.7%), moderate prevalence of Babesia spp. (20%), and low prevalence of Theileria spp. (6.7%). Co-infections of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. were observed in 20% of the animals. No significant correlations were found between blood parasites and PCV levels. Environmental factors
such as the tropical climate and grazing practices likely contributed to the high prevalence of Anaplasma spp., while reduced vector activity during the sampling period may explain the lower prevalence of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. In conclusion, blood parasites are prevalent in the cattle and buffalo population at UMK Bachok, with Anaplasma spp. being the most common. Future studies should include larger sample sizes, explore host factors such as age and immunity, and incorporate molecular techniques like PCR to improve sensitivity and detection accuracy. Regular screening programs, along with monitoring health parameters like PCV, are recommended to enhance parasite control and improve herd health and productivity.
Keywords: Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, tick-borne diseases, blood parasites, Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., cattle, buffalo, co-infections, packed cell volume (PCV), prevalence