Epidemiology of bovine babesiosis in South-Western Angola

Abstract

An epidemiological survey on bovine babesiosis was carried out in South-Western Angola. Both parasitological and serological methods were used. Use of the packed cell volume (PCV) technique increased up to five times the detection of infected cattle as compared with the thin blood smear method. Although the PCV method provided better information on the parasitological diagnosis, the indirect fluorescent antibody test represents a better approach for the evaluation of endemic situations. Results obtained by this method proved that in most herds and farms investigated there was an endemic stability. The disease did not present any problem in the traditional sector. Cases of babesiosis were only reported in some commercial farms where the control of ticks was inadequate and responsible for endemic instability.