Detection and risk factor analysis of blood parasite in goats and sheep in selected areas in Kelantan

An abstract of the research paper presented to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Malaysia Kelantan, in partial requirement of the course DVT 55204 - Research Project Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Theileriosis and Mycoplasmosis are major tick-borne diseases caused by blood parasites (Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp., and Mycoplasma spp.), affecting goats and sheep and is mainly transmitted by biting fly, hard-tick and blood contaminated instrument. This study was conducted to determine the detection of blood parasites in goats and sheep in Kelantan, Malaysia and potential risk factors related to its occurrence, microscopically. A total of 40 blood samples from 20 goats and 20 sheep were collected from 4 different small ruminant farms in Kota Bharu and Bachok area. Samples were prepared and stained using thin blood smear and stained using 10% Giemsa stain for detection and identification of blood parasites. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit centrifugation technique and measured to assess the relationship between parasitic infection and severity of anaemia. Data was analysed using Pearson’s Chi Square. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed an overall blood parasite prevalence of (n = 28; χ² = 0.476) 70%. The highest infection rate was recorded in Farm A (80.0%), followed by Farm C and D (70.0%) and B (60.0%) (p = 0.014). Infection was slightly higher in sheep (75.0%) than goats (65.0%) and in females (75.0%) than males (62.5%), though not significant (p > 0.05). A significant association was observed between infection and age (χ ² = 4.977; p = 0.026), with all animals aged below one year (< 1 years) high likely to be infected. Most infections were mild, and PCV values decreased with infection severity, indicating anaemia associated with parasitaemia. In conclusion, blood parasites are highly prevalent among the goat and sheep population in Kelantan, Malaysia, suggesting these tick-borne disease is still circulating within small ruminant farms in Kelantan and potentially contributing to massive economic impact due to health deterioration.