Prevalence and molecular detection of theileriosis in sheep from western Maharashtra

A study was conducted on sheep from western Maharashtra to record the prevalence of Theileria spp. infection using conventional blood smear examination and molecular characterization using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Blood samples (n=202) were collected from ailing sheep flocks showing clinical signs of anaemia, pale mucous membrane, weakness, loss of appetite and fever. On blood smear examination and PCR assay, the prevalence of theileriosis in sheep was 48.02 and 59.90%, respectively. The results of the study highlighted that primary diagnosis of theileriosis in sheep can be made from blood smear examination. Further, carrier or latent status of disease can be confirmed by PCR assay.