Prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites and their perceived co-occurrences with viral outbreaks of FMD and LSD and their associated factors

Abstract

Species of Theileria , Babesia , and Anaplasma are Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that are prevalent throughout the world, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions. Associated diseases of Theileriosis, Babesiosis , and Anaplasmosis , respectively, represents a major threat to livestock production in many countries. TBPs have a high prevalence in different geographical locations in Egypt. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) and Lumpy skin disease (LSD) are considered endemic bovine viral diseases in Egypt. Our clinical observations during the epidemics of LSD and FMD viruses showed higher prevalence rates for the TBPs. To investigate this correlation, a total of 670 samples from cattle and buffalo were collected during the summers of 2017 and 2018 distributed throughout ranches and smallholders in two geographical locations in Egypt. Two farms with a recent clinical outbreak of LSD with a total of 270 animals, while the other location included three farms with a recent FMD outbreak with a combined 400 cattle. Examined animals were classified mainly according to age, gender, species, breed (native versus crossbred), and the presence of ticks. Whole blood samples were collected for TBPs and viral (LSD and FMD) examinations, while tissue specimens were collected for detection of FMD and LSD viruses by real-time PCR. Our results confirmed significantly higher prevalence rates for the TBPs in LSD-positive than LSD-negative animals, while no significant difference could be detected for the prevalence rate of the TBPs in the FMD positive and negative groups. The prevalence of Babesia and Theileria was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cross-breeds than native cattle. Infections with Anaplasma and co-infections with Babesia - Anaplasma and Theileria - Anaplasma were significantly higher in native than cross-breeds cattle. The intensity of parasitic infection (parasitemia) has a significant difference in the positive groups for the two viruses compared to the negative groups. These results collectively confirming the enhancing role of LSD on the prevalence rate of the haemoprotozoal infections leading to more serious outcomes to the livestock infections, and therefore the control of haemoprotozoal infections should be implemented as a part of viral epidemics control.

Risk Factors Associated with Common Infectious Diseases in Beef Cattle in Menofia Governorate

“…In Egypt, tick-borne pathogens have been found to exhibit a significant prevalence in various geographical areas, especially during the epidemics of LSD and FMD viruses. This observation was reported by Abas et al (2021), who documented high prevalence rates of tick-borne pathogens during these outbreaks.…”

The prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in Asia

“…New variants among serotype O and SAT2 have been reported in the past few years (77,78). The relationship of parasitic diseases with FMD was also studied, but no significant relation was detected (79). A new sublineage of SAT 2 was identified in 2019 that resulted in the appearance of drastic clinical signs in buffaloes (80) Seroprevalence of FMD in a study was analyzed for 2021 and 2022.…”

Clinical and Molecular Detections of Lumpy Skin Disease: Possibilities of Co-infection with Foot-and-Mouth Disease

“…A mixed infection of LSD with pseudocowpox was reported by Omoniwa et al (2023). Based on common clinical symptoms and in accordance with the clinical hallmarks of both disorders, FMD and LSD were clinically diagnosed (Abas et al, 2021). However, the confirmed diagnosis of FMD and LSD co-infection was not reported so far.…”