THE OCCURANCE OF CATTLE BABESIOSIS IN MARODIJEH REGION, SOMALILAND

Abstract

Babesiosis, a tick-borne protozoal disease, poses a significant threat to cattle populations worldwide, including Somaliland. This research aimed to investigate the prevalence of cattle Babesiosis and its associated risk vectors in the Marodijeh region, Somaliland. The major objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Babesiosis and identify factors associated with its occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a comprehensive examination of cattle populations, tick infestations, and risk factors contributing to the occurrence of Babesiosis. A total of 356 cattle were sampled, and the presence of Babesia species was determined. The Chi-Square (χ2) test was employed to assess the association between risk factors and the prevalence of Babesiosis. The results of the study indicated that 5.4% of the cattle tested positive for Babesiosis. Among Babesia species, B. bigemina had a higher prevalence at 4.8% compared to B. bovis, which accounted for 0.6% of the cases. These findings highlight the differential impact of Babesia species in the region. Furthermore, the research explored the influence of factors such as age, sex, body condition, and tick infestation on the prevalence of the disease. Geographic variations, farming systems, and seasonal factors were found to contribute significantly to the differences in Babesiosis prevalence. The ChiSquare analysis confirmed these associations, with p-values supporting the significance of these risk factors. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for region-specific disease control and prevention strategies to effectively manage Babesiosis in the Marodijeh region and similar areas. Such strategies should take into account the differential prevalence of B. bigemina and B. bovis and address the specific risk factors identified in this study. The results provide valuable insights for local veterinary authorities and policymakers to design targeted interventions for the management of Babesiosis, ultimately improving the health and productivity of cattle populations in the region