Higher incidence rates of theileriosis alongside altered haematological variables in confirmed clinical cases of bovine lumpy skin disease

Abstract The current study shines a light on an important issue by examining the presence of lumpy skin disease and bovine theileriosis in Bathinda district, India. Remarkably, during the outbreak, 46.27% (31/67) of the clinically confirmed lumpy skin disease cases also showed signs of theileriosis, along with two documented cases of anaplasmosis. Through our haematological analysis, we discovered that the infected animals exhibited lower levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count compared to their healthy counterparts, highlighting significant changes in their health parameters. Interestingly, platelet levels were elevated, along with an increase in total leukocyte count and neutrophil levels. This study underscores the importance of understanding the simultaneous challenges posed by lumpy skin disease and theileriosis and their effects on various blood parameters in livestock. To our knowledge, this study, for the first time, brings out a comprehensive comparative report on lumpy skin disease– Theileria co‐infection clinical cases and its effect on haemogram profile.