Prevalence of Major Haemoparasites in Cattle at Department of Kounahiri, Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: This study was initiated to inventory the various haemoparasites and assess their prevalence in animals in this department.

Place and Duration of Study: This work took place from May 2020 to December 2022 in the department of Kounahiri.

Methodology: 400 randomly selected cattle were used for the samples. Using a lancet, the ear was pricked to draw blood while immobilizing the animal. A drop was then placed on a slide and another slide was beveled at an angle of around 30° and brought into contact with the drop of blood. The smear is then taken on clean, dry slides. The smears are fixed in 95% methanol and stained with Giemsa diluted 1:10 in distilled water, then observed under a light microscope.

Results: The results showed that three types of blood parasites were identified through microscopic observations. The respective infection rates were 87.25% for Anaplasma, 64% for Babesia, and 21.75% for Theileria. Among the observed species of blood parasites, Anaplasma marginale was the most widespread with a significant infection prevalence of 77.5% in cattle. Furthermore, within all age groups, this pathogen (Anaplasma marginale) had the highest infection rate. The respective prevalence rates were 73.58% in cattle aged between 01-12 months, 78.90% in those of 13-24 months, and 78.92% in cattle aged more than 25 months. No difference in infection rates was observed based on the age of the animals. Additionally, no difference was detected in the seasonal distribution of Anaplasma marginale. The infection prevalencies during the two seasons were 73% at the beginning of the rainy season and 82% at the beginning of the dry season.

Conclusion: It will be essential to promote training for livestock farmers in terms of livestock health management.