Open Access
Research (Published online: 19-11-2023)
15. Epidemiological analysis of anaplasmosis in cattle from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Farhad Badshah, Kalim Ullah, Mustafa Kamal, Naseem Rafiq, Tahir Usman, Patricio R. De los Ríos-Escalante, and Mourad Ben Said
Veterinary World, 16(11): 2287-2292

Farhad Badshah: Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.
Kalim Ullah: Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat-26000, Pakistan.
Mustafa Kamal: Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.
Naseem Rafiq: Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.
Tahir Usman: College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, 23200 Mardan, Pakistan.
Patricio R. De los Ríos-Escalante: Universidad Católica de Temuco Facultad de Recursos Naturales Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas Casilla 15-D Temuco, Chile; Nucleo de Estudios Ambientales, UCTemuco, Chile.
Mourad Ben Said: Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia; Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2287-2292

Article history: Received: 24-08-2023, Accepted: 16-10-2023, Published online: 19-11-2023

Corresponding author: Mustafa Kamal and Mourad Ben Said

E-mail: mustafakamaluok@gmail.com and bensaidmourad83@yahoo.fr

Citation: Badshah F, Ullah K, Kamal M, Rafiq N, Usman T, De los Ríos-Escalante PR, and Ben Said M (2023) Epidemiological analysis of anaplasmosis in cattle from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Veterinary World, 16(11): 2287-2292.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting livestock caused by the bacteria Anaplasma, poses a global concern. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, spatiotemporal variation, and associated risk factors of anaplasmosis in cattle from the Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: This study used 197 cattle exhibiting clinical symptoms of anaplasmosis in natural settings. Microscopic examination was used to estimate the prevalence. Potential risk factors, such as sampling regions and months, gender, breed, and age were studied.

Results: The study revealed an overall anaplasmosis prevalence of 19.79%. Bannu district exhibited a higher occurrence at 22.10%, compared to Lakki Marwat district at 17.64%. Young cattle (<2 years) demonstrated a notably higher incidence of anaplasmosis (26.78%) compared to adults (>5 years), which had a prevalence of 12.35% (p < 0.05). Female cattle (22.36%) were more susceptible than male cattle (11.11%). Prevalence peaked in June (45.71%) and was lowest in February (3.57%). Crossbred cattle had a higher prevalence (23.52%) than purebred cattle (11.47%).

Conclusion: Anaplasmosis can be effectively controlled using a comprehensive approach encompassing selective breeding for resilience, targeted care of young calves and females, effective tick control during warmer months, consistent use of insecticides, and proactive risk factor management. Raising awareness among farmers through diverse channels, including media, is pivotal to bolster tick-borne disease management strategies.

Keywords: anaplasmosis, biotic risk factors, cattle, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, spatiotemporal variation.