Occurrence of Babesia bigemina infection in crossbred calf

A rare clinical case of babesiosis was diagnosed in 13 days old Holstein Friesian calf initially on the basis of clinical signs, and later on by blood smear and haematological examination. In calf clinical sings of high fever, haemoglobinuria, increased respiratory rate and pale conjunctival mucous membrane were observed. Infected calf exhibited haemoglobinaemia, erythrocytopaenia and eosinophilia. Microscopic examination of the stained blood smear ensured the characteristic intra-erythrocytic Babesia bigemina organism. The ailing calf was treated with Berenil (Diminazine aceturate) @ 3.5 mg/kg body weight by deep intra muscular route accompanied by supportive therapy. Calf recovered clinically within 5 days of the initiation of the treatment.