The Prevalence and Associated Infection Risk Factors of the Blood Protozoan Parasites among the Small Ruminants in the North Coast of Egypt

Abstract

Several factors are affecting the productivity of small ruminants, infectious diseases and their causative pathogens are one of the most detrimental factors. Blood protozoan parasites are pathogens affecting small ruminants worldwide, particularly Egypt. Thus, the current study was done for detecting the prevalence of the blood protozoan parasites among small ruminants in the North Coast of Egypt. This was done through collecting 366 blood samples from four districts at Matrouh governorate. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smears was done to reveal the overall infection rate. Results showed a total prevalence of 68.30% (Babesia ovis, Theileria ovis. and Anaplasma ovis.). Sheep recorded a higher prevalence of 84.8% than that of goat. Females recorded the highest infection rate with a highly significant association with infection in relation to the open breeding (X2=72.501, P. value=0.000). The same significant result was observed with the presence of ticks on the examined animals (X2 =46.711, P. value=0.000). When summed up, we can conclude that the lack of vector control in Matrouh governorate, associated with a bad housing of herd, ignorance of the proper animal management, and the open breeding system are the reasons for the widespread infection with blood protozoan parasites among small ruminants.