Seroprevalence of Babesia ovis in sheep around Afyon

Authors: HATİCE ÇİÇEK, ALİ DÜZGÜN, ZİŞAN EMRE, K. ZAFER KARAER

Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Babesia ovis around Afyon between June and September 2000. During this period, blood samples were collected to obtain serum samples from total of 204 Akkaraman sheep in different age groups in 9 different localities. During sampling, peripheral blood smears were prepared from the punctured ear of each animal. Ticks were also collected from the animals sampled. The sera were tested for the presence of antibodies to B. ovis by ELISA. The blood smears were stained with 5% Giemsa stain solution and were examined microscopically. Antibodies against B. ovis were detected in 106 of the 204 sheep (51.96%) using ELISA. Under microscopic examination, B. ovis was detected in 1 of the 204 sheep (0.49%). Of the 62 adult ticks examined, 41 were male and 20 were female. During this period, 1 nymph was also collected from the sampled animals. The adult ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa, R. sanguineus and R. turanicus. The nymph was identified as Hyalomma sp. The collected ticks were not examined for the presence of Babesia vermicules.

Keywords: Babesia ovis, ELISA, seroprevalence, sheep, tick

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