The Prevalence Rates of Theileria Parva and Theileria Mutans in Calves, Adult Cattle and Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer) In Tanzania

Abstract

Serum samples of 133 adult cattle, 79 calves in Eastern Tanzania, 213 adult cattle in Northern, 235 adult and 156 calves from Lake Victoria basin, 30 buffaloes (Syncerus cafer) from Mkomazi Game Reserve, Northern zone and 6 buffaloes from Kisaki Open Conservation Area, Eastern zone were tested for antischizont antibodies against Theileria parva and T.mutans using indirect fluorescent antibody technique at 1:640 dilution. Antibodies were detected in 63/133, 119/213 and 203/235 adult cattle for T. parva in Eastern, Northern and Lake Victoria basin respectively. The  respective  positive samples for T. mutans in adult cattle in Eastern, Northern and Lake Victoria basin were 71/133, 38/213 and 184/235. Antibodies were lacking in calves from birth to four months old. Of the 36 buffalo samples none were positive for T. parva and T.mutans. T. mutans and T. parva occur in the same areas but the prevalence is less than for the former. The lack of antibodies in calves indicate lack of transfer of maternal antibodies, calves acquire antibodies through exposure to infections. The lack of antibodies in buffaloes indicates that T. parva and T. mutans are cattle parasites. Numerous Genera of ixodid ticks including Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma were found on buffaloes.  In Eastern  Zone  calves haemogobin concentration,          red and white blood   cell  count, mean corpuscular  volume, mean  corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were found to be lower in calves categorized to be of poor health compared to those apparently in good health. Prescapular lymph node length and width tended to be lower in healthy calves.