Co-infection of Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. in a Holstein Friesian crossbred calf- A case report

A 20-day-old Holstein Friesian, crossbred calf with a history of inappetence and weakness was presented to the veterinary hospital at Malhargarh, in recumbent condition. On clinical examination, the calf exhibited high fever, pale mucous membranes, dry muzzle, rough body coat and elevated heart and respiration rate. Giemsa stained blood smears revealed the presence of intra-erythrocytic Babesia and Theileria organisms. The calf was treated with diminazene aceturate, intramuscularly at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight, along with supportive medication. However, the animal died after only a few hours of therapy. The present study reports the rare concurrent infection in a crossbred calf from Madhya Pradesh, India.