Cross-sectional estimation of <i>Babesia bovis<i/> antibody prevalence in cattle in two contrasting dairying areas in Tanzania

• Main Authors: E.S. Swai, E.D. Karimuribo, N.P. French, N.H. Ogden, J. Fitzpatrick, D. Kambarage, M.J. Bryant
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2004-11-01
• Series: Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
• Online Access: https://ojvr.org/index.php/ojvr/article/view/262

The crude prevalence of antibodies to Babesia bovis infection in cattle was estimated by serology using indirect ELISA during the period January to April, 1999. Sera were obtained from 1 395 dairy cattle (of all ages, sexes and breeds) on smallholder farms, the majority being kept under a zero grazing regime. The crude prevalence of antibodies to Babesia bovis was 6 % for Tanga and 12% for Iringa. The forces of infection based on the age sero-prevalence profile, were estimated at six for Iringa and four for Tanga per 100 cattle years-risk, respectively. Using random effect logistic regression as the analytical method, the factors (variables) of age, source of animals and geographic location were hypothesised to be associated with sero-positivity of Babesia bovis in the two regions.