Molecular Detection of Haemoprotozoan Pathogens in Tick Population of Mizoram, India

Aim: To assess the occurrence of bovine haemoprotozoa in ticks from Mizoram, India. This study seeks to evaluate the potential role of ticks as vectors for transboundary livestock diseases in a region with high biodiversity and porous international borders. Study Design: This cross-sectional study involved the collection and morphological identification of ticks from livestock in Mizoram, followed by PCR-based screening of selected tick DNA samples to assess the presence of parasites like Theileria orientalis, Anaplasma spp., and Babesia bigemina. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Veterinary Parasitology, C.V.Sc & A.H, Central Agricultural University, Aizawl, Mizoram during a period of April 2021 to January 2022. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design to assess the presence of haemoprotozoa parasites in ticks collected from livestock across three districts of Mizoram—Aizawl, Kolasib, and Champhai—selected based on their high cattle and mithun populations. A representative tick samples of various life stages and species, were randomly collected from cattle and mithun. Sixty DNA samples, 20 from each district and representing key tick species (Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Amblyomma spp.), were randomly selected and screened using PCR for T. orientalis, Anaplasma spp., and B. bigemina. Results: Out of 60 randomly selected tick DNA samples screened, 5% (n=3) each were tested positive for T. orientalis and Anaplasma spp. in ticks from Aizawl district and Champhai district, respectively, while none of the samples showed the presence of B. bigemina. Conclusion: This study describe the first demonstration of tick as a vector for bovine haemoprotozoan pathogens in Mizoram. These finding highlights the risk of haemoprotozoan infections for the need of ongoing surveillance, expanded sampling, and targeted tick control strategies to protect livestock health in the region.