Molecular Epidemiology of Babesiosis in Dairy Cattle in Erbil Province, Iraq

This study assessed the prevalence of bovine babesiosis in dairy cattle using microscopic examination and conventional PCR (c-PCR). Microscopic analysis of Giemsa-stained blood smears indicated an infection rate of 14.5%, while c-PCR revealed a higher prevalence of 31.9%. Babesia species were identified morphologically and confirmed through molecular techniques. Clinically, infected cattle were presented with fever, depression, and jaundice. Age-related differences were observed, with cattle between 1 and 5 years showing the highest infection rates (P=0.008). No significant differences were noted in prevalence between sexes or breeds. However, body condition played a critical role, with cattle in poor condition exhibiting significantly higher infection rates (P =0.02). Additionally, management practices, such as outdoor grazing and irregular application of acaricides, were found to increase the risk of infection (P =0.005). Phylogenetic analysis showed that two sequences of B. major and B. bigemina identified in this study shared genetic similarities with strains from various geographical regions. These findings highlight the substantial burden of babesiosis in the local cattle population and emphasize the need for targeted management practices and intervention strategies to control infection rates and improve bovine productivity effectively. The study concludes that cattle in Erbil are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). However, factors such as age, body condition, and management practices significantly influence the prevalence of babesiosis, and this underscores the importance of tailored control measures to mitigate the disease’s impact