Prevalence of Babesia Infection and Hematological Changes in Camelus dromedarius Slaughtered in Maiduguri, Borno State

09 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Even though camels are tough animals that can adapt to the region's harsh environmental circumstances, they are susceptible to a range of diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in a one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at Maiduguri, Borno state and its effect on some haematological parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 246 blood samples were collected from camels before slaughter and placed into serum collection vacutainers. These samples were processed at the laboratory for Babesia spp. and haematological parameters using standard techniques. Regression and student t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 16 camels were positive for Babesia spp. infection revealing a prevalence rate of 6.5%. A higher prevalence rate was recorded among the females 9 (3.66%), 95% CI = 2.81, 8.33. Based on age a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence rate of 12 (4.90%), 95% CI =1.94, 6.81 was recorded among the adults. Haematological changes observed between the infected and un-infected camels showed that PCV for the infected camels was (17.07±0.45) while the Hb concentration of infected camels was (6.39±0.15), whereas WBC was significantly higher (25.03±0.66) in infected camels. RBC count was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the infected group (4.29±0.15). Conclusion: The present study divulged the high prevalence of Babesiosis in the studied area, hence it is essential to establish preventive and control measures of Babesiosis in camels to enhance food security and public health issues.

Trypanocidal Drugs Resistance and Their Utilization Practices in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

09 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Trypanocidal drug resistance is the major threat of cattle production and documentation of trypanocidal drug utilization practices is scanty in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State. This study conducted to evaluate trypanocidal drug utilization practices and to assess trypanocidal drug resistance in naturally infected Sheko and Boran cattle. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted and about 86 farmers were involved. A total of 32 trypanosome-positive cattle randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Treated with a curative dosage of DIM (3.5 mg kg^–¹) and ISMM (0.5 mg kg^–¹). An abbreviated 28 days field protocol was applied. Descriptive statistics used to summarized the data. Results: About 93% of the respondents use trypanocidal drugs. Diminazene aceturate (DIM) and isometamidium chloride (ISMM) were commonly used drugs. About 31.2 and 45.7% of respondents from Assosa and Bambasi, respectively treated an animal >9 times in a year. The prevention methods practiced are avoiding flies through smoking 32/86 (37.2%), management practices to improve immunity 17/86 (19.8%) and use tsetse repellant chemicals 40/86 (46.5%). Relapse occurred in 12 animals in the first treatment and breed has a significant effect (χ² = 4.8, p<0.05). But there was no significant (χ² = 2.1, p>0.05) difference among drugs used. Drugs were switched in treatment failure cases. Treating first with DIM and then with ISMM was better. Conclusion: This study indicated the presence of drug resistant trypanosomes. The dependency of farmers on a limited number of drugs aggravate the issue. Strict supervision on drug usage, sanative pair treatment and, further experimental work required using molecular techniques.

Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences - Current Issue

Prevalence of Babesia Infection and Hematological Changes in Camelus dromedarius Slaughtered in Maiduguri, Borno State

Trypanocidal Drugs Resistance and Their Utilization Practices in Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia