Haemoprotozoan parasites of Cattle: A Hidden Threat to Dairy Farming

Haemoparasitic diseases are important health challenges in dairy cattle, affecting animal productivity, reproductive performance and farm profitability. Major infections include theileriosis caused by Theileria species, babesiosis caused by Babesia species, anaplasmosis caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale and trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma evansi. Ticks act as important vectors of theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, while blood-sucking flies transmit trypanosomosis mechanically. Common clinical manifestations include fever, anaemia, weakness, loss of appetite, jaundice, weight loss and reduced milk production. Babesiosis is particularly associated with red or coffee-coloured urine, whereas enlarged lymph nodes are characteristic of theileriosis. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, Giemsa-stained blood smear analysis, haematological evaluation, serological testing and molecular techniques such as PCR. Effective management requires specific veterinary treatment and supportive care. Regular tick and fly control, farm hygiene, vaccination where available, sterile equipment and health screening of newly introduced animals are essential preventive measures. Early detection and systematic herd health management can minimise mortality and economic losses in dairy farming.