Prevalence and predisposing factors of selected tick-borne diseases of cattle in Masaka District, Uganda

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are of great importance worldwide with a lot of impact on livestock production since they cause estimated annual losses of USD 13.9-18.7 billion. TBDs affect over 80% of cattle population worldwide resulting into various health and economic effects. Coupled with acaricide resistance, there is over 30% calf crop losses as well as tick persistence posing a great threat to the cattle industry in Uganda Identification of these Hemoparasites, diagnosis and treatment including control and prevention of these diseases remain difficult tasks that have resulted into poor treatment outcomes, increased treatment costs and death of animals. This project aimed at providing information about the current state of prevalence and up-to-date predisposing factors of selected tick-borne diseases in Masaka district. Using a cross-sectional study, tick-borne diseases in cattle from randomly selected study sites within Masaka district after cattle farmers in the region reported an increased use of and resistance of ticks to acaricides on farms according to records in the district veterinary office, were investigated. The prevalence of selected tick-borne diseases and predisposing factors in cattle between the months of June and November 2021 were determined. A total of 400 cattle were selected for the study using simple random sampling from which whole blood samples were collected, and blood smears prepared for microscopic examination of the protozoan and Rickettsial parasites. The highest percentage of co-infection was between East Coast Fever (ECF) and Anaplasmosis (47.62%) followed by Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis (28.57 %) and between East Coast Fever and Babesiosis (14.29 %). The overall prevalence of TBDs was 8.14% with Anaplasmosis being the highest (10.47 %) followed by ECF (10.45 %) and Babesiosis (3.49 %). Guernsey breeds had the highest prevalence of TBDs (28.57%) and crosses were found to be the least affected (2.5%). This study provides further evidence that TBDs are a serious burden to cattle production in Masaka District. From the results of the study, the recommendation is that regular spraying of animals using recommended acaricide and equipment like a pressure pump, use of acaricide classes in rotations and in proper recommended dilutions, proper wetting of animals when spraying, avoiding communal grazing and use of control measures that are aimed at tick control like fencing of the grazing land will reduce the burden of ticks in Masaka district.