An investigation of Babesia spp. in goats in AL-Qadisiyah Province

Abstract

The study designed to evaluate the microscopic features of Babesia spp. Of goats, and know the effect of age, sex and the month of the year on a rate of infection. Sixty-eight (68) blood samples were collected from a jugular vein of suspected goats (aged 1 month to 4 years) during the period from September 2014 to April 2015 from different regions in Al-Qadisiyah Province. Samples were transmitted to the laboratory to make blood smears. Results of the microscopic examination showed that Babesia ovis and Babesia motasi appeared in ring form, double and single pyriform inside the RBCs. Eight (8) (11.7%) goats out 68 cases were positive. The highest rate of infection was (62.5%) in October, while the lowest rate was (15%) observed in March, also there were negative results seen in (November, December, January, February, April) and there were significant differences at level (P < 0.05). The highest rate of infection observed in (1-2) years of age with significant (P<0.05) differences. No effects of gender were seen in examined goats. In conclusions, both Babesia ovis and Babesia motasi are present in Iraqi goats. Babesia ovis is considered the main type spreading in Iraq.