Impact of cattle migration from Rajasthan to Haryana state in India on transmission of tropical theileriosis

Ticks were collected at various places in south and central Haryana from eight cattle herds migrating from Rajasthan. The adult semi-engorged ticks were processed for prevalence of Theileria annulata infection, abundance and intensity by Methyl green-pyronin staining of salivary glands to assess the role of migratory herds in transmission of theileriosis. The prevalence of Hyalomma a. anatolicum ticks and infection rates of T. annulata in the ticks is known to be higher in Rajasthan as compared to Haryana. The infection pattern in ticks collected from migratory herds was similar to Haryana rather than Rajasthan. The larvae, nymphs and adults stages of Hyalomma sp. ticks feed on the hosts only for about a week or less. Hence, all the potential Theileria sp. harbouring ticks of Rajasthan origin are dropped in the border areas of Haryana where Hyalomma sp. ticks are already very common. With the slow speed of migration, chances of introduction of highly infected ticks deep into Haryana are minimal. However, the immature stages of Hyalomma sp. ticks feeding on these cattle are likely to carry higher infection, which might be dangerous to the local crossbred cattle. If migration is very fast through various livestock transportation channels Le. by trucks or train, the Theileria sp. harbouring ticks from Rajasthan are likely to be dropped deeper into Haryana and possibly in the area where Hyalomma sp. ticks are rare now.