Vol. 9, Special Issue 7, Part E (2025)

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by haemo-protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia with four main species viz., Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, Babesia major and Babesia divergens that cause bovine babesiosis. Ticks mostly present in the study area are Rhiphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum etc. Our study highlighted the need for comprehensive studies focusing on the prevalence of babesiosis in North Gujarat and emphasizes the significance of molecular characterization of Babesia spp. for designing effective control strategies. A total of 685 blood samples of cattle’s were collected from different organized farms/Gausalas/Panjrapoles of Banaskantha district of Gujarat. Blood samples were examined using blood smear and Polymerase Chain Reaction assay to estimate the prevalence of babesiosis according to breed, age and season. The overall prevalence of Babesia infection in cattle was found to be 18.54% by microscopy and 27.00% by PCR, demonstrating the greater sensitivity of PCR as contrast to blood smear analysis. No blood samples were found to be positive for other Babesia spp. in microscopic as well as in PCR based assay. Breedwise, HF crossbred cattle showed (32.30%) higher prevalence than indigenous Kankrej cattle (19.46%). Babesiosis was found to be more common in age group of 3-5 years old followed by 1-3 and > 5 years old and calves below < 1 year showed the least infection. Summer had highest prevalence, followed by monsoon and winter season. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the Babesia spp. sequences (KU SKN CAE B. bigemina, KU SKN CAB B. bigemina, KU SKN CA28 B. bigemina, KU SKN CA29 B. bigemina) displayed identity matches with other sequences. This study offers insightful information about the prevalence of babesiosis in various age groups, species, and seasons of bovines, which can help with the implementation of various strategies depending on the specific condition being treated and effective therapeutic measures, vector control policies and suitable preventive and control measures.