Molecular prevalence and host related epidemiological factors of bovine tropical theileriosis in semi-arid zone of northern plains of India

The study was conducted at VCC, DUVASU, Mathura, during the period of November, 2021 to October, 2022a total of 145 cattle and 155 buffaloes suspected to be affected with theileriosis were examined using PCR technique for identification of T. annulata. The overall prevalence of theileriosis in cattle and buffaloes was found 7.19% (n=) and 3.32% (n=), respectively. The prevalence in suspected cattle and buffaloes was found 78.62% and 49.23%. Highest prevalence in cattle (91.66%) and buffalo (64.28%) was recorded during the month of April and lowest prevalence was recorded during October month in cattle (42.85%) and December month in buffaloes (10%). Prevalence of theileriosis was recorded higher in female cattle (82.30%) as compared to males (46.66%) however, no variation on the basis of sex was observed in buffaloes. Significant increase in the prevalence was observed in cattle (χ² = 6.24, p = 0.044) and buffaloes (χ² = 12.856, p = 0.002) on the basis of age. Significant increase in the prevalence of theileriosis was observed in different breeds of cattle (χ²=8.913, p=0.030) while, in buffaloes (χ² = 0.039, p = 0.844), no significant variation in the prevalence was recorded on the basis of breed. Significant variation was observed in different parity of buffaloes (χ² = 12.361, p = 0.006), highest prevalence were recorded in buffaloes have > 3 parity, but no variation is observed in different parity of cattle (χ² = 4.789 p = 0.091). No variation was observed in the prevalence of theileriosis in cattle (χ² = 3.817, p = 0.051) and buffaloes (χ² = 0.460, p = 0.498) on the basis of pregnancy.