Comparative efficacy of imidocarb dipropionate with additive in naturally infected cattle against bovine babesiosis

Abstract

Babesiosis is a tick borne disease prevalent worldwide. The present study was planned to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of imidocarb dipropionate alone and with additive milk, cumin, and jetepar syrup in naturally Babesia-infected cattle. Blood samples (n = 300) were collected from the selected cattle. Age, breed, dung pile location, use of acaricides, temperature, health status, tick infestation and housing type were also considered during sample collection. Out of 90 samples that were found positive through staining procedures, 45 were confirmed through PCR. As per infection rate observed more in exotic breed, the treatment trials were conducted on these cattle. These cattle were divided into three groups, each consisting of 15 cattle. Group 1 was treated with imidocarb dipropionate. Group 2 was treated with imidocarb dipropionate and additives (milk, cumin, and jetepar syrup). Group 3 was the infected, non-medicated group, and group 4 consisted of healthy, non-infected cattle (n = 15).The cattle were subjected to liver function tests and recorded milk production before and after treatment. The afore-mentioned factorsi.e. age (<3 years), Holstein Friesian breed, with dung piles near their living area, without acaricides use, poor health status, tick infestation, and tethered housing system were found significant associated with babesiosis in the cattle. Cattle in G₁ treated with imidocarb dipropionate showed an efficacy of 60 %. G₂, on the other hand, showed 90 % efficacy. The cattle in G₃, did not recover and two died. All cattle in G₄, remained health. It was concluded that the cattle treated with imidiocarb dipropionate as well as additives showed better and rapid recovery.