Babesiosis: A Threat to Cattle and Small Ruminant Animals Production

Abstract

Babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease affecting a wide range of domestic animals particularly cattle and small ruminant animals. Babesiosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan parasite of the genus Babesia. The economic losses can be considerable, especially when animals with no immunity are moved into endemic areas which may lead to a decrease in productivity, anaemia, fever, abortion, and in severe cases may lead to death. The ecology of vector ticks like Rhipicephalus sp and environmental risk factors influence disease prevalence in many tropical and subtropical countries. The control and management of this disease rely heavily on tick management of this disease rely heavely on tick management, However, there are other control measures such as vaccination and chemoprophylaxis. Therefore, this paper aims to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and control strategies of babesiosis. 
Keywords: Babesiosis, Epidemiology, Cattle, Pathogenesis, Control