Tick-borne blood parasites in small ruminants: An epidemiological study of Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in Cagayan, Philippines
Paper Details
Tick-borne blood parasites in small ruminants: An epidemiological study of Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in Cagayan, Philippines
Abstract
This study examined the incidence of tick-borne blood parasites, particularly Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp., among small ruminants in the three (3) districts of Cagayan, Philippines. A total of 384 (191 sheep and 193 goats) small ruminants were examined for the presence of tick-borne blood parasites. The findings revealed that Anaplasma sp. had an overall incidence of 14.58% (56/384), while Babesia sp. revealed a slightly higher incidence of 16.67% (64/384). Anaplasma sp. incidence rate differed by district; highest in District II, III and I, chronologically. While Babesia sp. incidence rate is highest in District III, followed by I and II. Sheep had greater rates of tick-borne blood infection, and are vulnerable to Babesia sp. A number of host-related and management determinants were substantially correlated with tick-borne blood parasite infection. Infections were higher in females (70.57%), who were more likely than males (29.43%). Additionally, compared to younger animals, adult animals (>8 months) had significantly higher incidence rate of 28.9% (p= 0.0013). The incidence rate of tick-borne blood parasites was lowest in native breed (3.13%), followed by pure breed (18.54%), while cross breed (20.42%) is highest. The study found significant correlations between incidence rates and species, sex, age, and breed, indicating that tick-borne blood parasitic infections in the 3 districts are influenced by a variety of factors. These findings demonstrate that tick-borne blood parasite diseases continue to be prevalent in the small ruminant population of Cagayan, posing a threat to the animals’ health and productivity. Also, adopting the One Health Approach to lessen the negative effects of these infections will include farmer education initiatives, integrated tick control and prevention programs for livestock and use of environment friendly acaricides are crucial.
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Kathlyn B. Cruz*, Jhaysel G. Rumbaoa, Mary Ann M. Santos, Bryan Jerome R. Bassig, John Michael U. Tabil, 2026. Tick-borne blood parasites in small ruminants: An epidemiological study of Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in Cagayan, Philippines. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(2), 34-48.
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