Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tick Borne Blood Parasites in Sheep in Omdurman Area - Khartoum State

Abstract

This study was conducted in Omdurman area-Khartoum State to investigate the prevalence of tick borne blood parasites in sheep and to assess the association between theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis and the risk factors (locality, breed, sex, age, body condition, tick infestation and use of acaricides). A total of 150 blood samples were collected from three localities namely Ombada, Karary and Omdurman from January to February 2019. The samples were examined in laboratory microscopicly using Giemsa stain. The results showed that the prevalence of theileriosis was 11.3 %, babesiosis was 22% and anaplasmosis was 22%. Univariate analysis for the results was done using chi-square test showing no correlation between prevalence of theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis and risk factors except there was significant association between theileriosis and tick infestation(X2 = 4.94; P = 0.026) and babesiosis with the breed (X2= 6.506; P = 0.039) and usiage of acaricides(X2 = 0.006). The multivariate analysis using logistic regression for the results showed no significant association between tick borne blood parasites and risk factors except significant association between usage of acaricides and Babesia infection Exp (B) =.329 ; p – value = .008 ) . This study confirmed that tick-borne blood parasites were endemic in Omdurman area.