TBD's exploiting the black gold (buffalo) of Pakistan

Abstract

Haemo-parasitic diseases are important diseases of livestock transmitted by ticks, which adversely affect the productive performance of animals. This study was designed with the objective to determine the frequency of haemo-parasitic diseases in central zone of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with associated risk factors and hematological profile. For this purpose total of 250 blood samples were collected from three districts in anti-coagulant added vacutainer. Microscopic results revealed overall occurrence of haemo-parasites as 49.6% in which anaplasmosis was recorded as 36%, whereas theileriosis was 13.6%. Haemo-parasites occurrence with respect to different predisposing factors i.e. season, location, age and gender was studied. Frequency of haemo-parasites was significantly (P<0.05) higher in summer season as compare to winter. Similarly frequency was higher in Peshawar (74.1%) as compare to other two districts and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Age is also consider as an important risk factor for the occurrence of haemo-parasitic diseases and adult were found more susceptible in the current study. Frequency was higher in female as compare to female but no significant (P>0.05) difference was observed. Infected animals in the study area showed significant (P<0.05) variation in hematological parameters and anemia was categorized as microcytic hypochromic on the basis of erythrocytic indices. Hot and humid weather favors the development and growth of ticks which may be the possible reason for the higher incidence of haemo-parasites in summer season. Hyperactive free radicals i.e. superoxide are produced in the parasitic diseases which may be the reason for anemia.