Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Babesiosis in West Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with great economic impacts on the cattle sector globally, caused by Babesia species and transmitted by Rhipicephalus and Ixodes ticks. This study aimed to determine its prevalence and risk factors in West Kordofan State, Sudan.  A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022. Blood samples from 154 cattle were randomly collected from Mayram (n=50), Muglad (n=54), and Debab (n=50). Babesia spp. were detected using microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears, and risk factor data were collected thorough a structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of Babesia spp. Infection was 37.0%. prevalence was highest in Mayram (48.0%), followed by Muglad (35.2%) and Debab (28.0%). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations with age, purpose of raising, cross-border movement, treatment history, and tick infestation. Multivariate analysis identified strong associations with cattle age (OR = 3.048, 95% CI: 1.219-7.621), cross-border movement (OR = 11.912 95% CI: 2.627-54.011), and lack of previous antiparasitic treatment (OR = 2.706). No significant associations were found for location, sex, breed, body condition, herd size, grazing system, or owner awareness. Bovine babesiosis is highly prevalent in West Kordofan. Key risk factors include cattle age, cross-border movement, and no prior treatment. The study recommends movement restrictions, regular antiparasitic treatments, improved veterinary surveillance, and molecular diagnostic methods for accurate species identification.

Keywords: Bovine babesiosis; Babesia species; cattle disease; risk factors; prevalence; tick-borne diseases; Sudan.