<i>Anaplasma</i> Infection in Goats in El Daein, East Darfur State, Sudan: An Epidemiological Study

Small ruminants, particularly goats, are essential to the livelihoods of rural communities in Sudan; however, their productivity is threatened by tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaplasmosis in goats slaughtered in El Daein city, East Darfur State, Sudan, and to assess associated epidemiological and clinical risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 in three slaughterhouses. Blood samples (n = 175) were collected from randomly selected goats and examined for <i>Anaplasma</i> spp. using Giemsa-stained blood smears. Ante-mortem and post-mortem examinations were performed to identify clinical and pathological abnormalities. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. The overall prevalence of anaplasmosis was 62.3%. No statistically significant association (P > 0.05) was observed between infection and sex, age, breed, or post-mortem pathological lesions including splenomegaly, gallbladder enlargement, or jaundice. However, a significant association was detected between infection and pale mucous membranes (P = 0.031), indicating anemia as a likely consequence of erythrocytic infection. Most infections appeared subclinical, suggesting endemic stability in the study area. The high prevalence indicates widespread circulation of <i>Anaplasma</i> among goats in East Darfur, likely driven by favorable ecological conditions for tick proliferation. Strengthening tick control strategies and routine diagnostic surveillance is recommended to reduce disease burden and improve small ruminant productivity in the region.