Epizootological aspects of pyroplasmids in cows (Bos taurus) in Azerbaijan

Abstract

This article analyzes the epizootological situation of pyroplasmosis in cattle in Azerbaijan from the middle of the last century to the present. The blood samples were collected from cattle at private farms in Absheron Region, Azerbaijan. Total 87 cows were examined for blood parasite infection. Experiments were carried out from January to November 2021. Modified Romanovsky-Giemsa staining was used on peripheral blood smears of suspected cattle. Among 87 clinically suspected cattle examined, only 16 cows (18.4%) had Babesia infection — Babesia sp. The present study also analyses the prevalence of blood protozoa in relation to season dynamics. The study results revealed that the prevalence of Babesiosis infection in cows in Absheron Region is much higher in spring (31.8%) and autumn (27.3%) than in summer (11.5%). Babesiosis was found in all seasons except winter.

Keywords

• piroplasmids
• Babesiosis
• ticks
• cow
• blood parasites
• cattle