Sero-prevalence of bovine tropical theileriosis in arid and semi-arid regions of north west India

The sero-prevalence of theileriosis in cattle of arid and semi-arid regions of northwest India was assessed by using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Overall sero-prevalence was higher in cattle of arid (western Rajasthan, 66%) than semi-arid (Haryana, 57%) region. Out of 401 cattle from western Rajasthan, 167 (42%) showed moderate levels of antibodies while 98 (24%) were highly positive. In Haryana, out of 523 cattle, 235 (45%) showed moderate levels of antibodies while 62 (12%) were highly positive. Antibody titres in animals below one year of age were significantly lower (P<0.05) than the older cattle in both the regions. These observations indicated that repeated Theileria annulata positive tick exposures boost up the prevalence of antibodies in cattle. The overall prevalence of T. annulata antibody titres in cross-bred cattle (61.39%) and indigenous cattle (60.43%) was almost the same indicating sero-conversion was independent of the breed of cattle.