Abstract

INCIDENCE OF A. MARGINALE IN SMALL RUMINANTS OF KOHAT & EFFICACY EVALUATION OF MEDICINES USED AGAINST ANAPLASMOSIS

Muhammad Yasir*, Rafi Ullah, Ishtiaq Ahmad, Shaheed Ullah Shah, Said Sajjad Ali Shah, Israr uddin and Muhammad Shahid

ABSTRACT

Anaplasmosis is a rickettsial disease that spreads through ticks and causes severe production losses along with mortalities in animals if left untreated. Clinical signs of anaplasmosis are fluctuating temperature, pale mucus membranes, dullness, severe dehydration, tick infestation, and anorexia Therefore, this study was carried out in the year 2020-21 with the objectives of determining the incidence of anaplasmosis in small ruminants of Kohat region and efficacy evaluation of commonly used medicines against anaplasmosis. Blood samples (n = 400) from sheep (n = 200) and goat (n = 200) showing clinical signs of anaplasmosis were processed for the detection of A. marginale by giemsa stained thin smears direct microscopic examination. A total of 198 positive samples were further confirmed by PCR. Incidence rate of the disease was determined month wise. Farmers were advised to treat their sick animals either with Imidocarb dipropionate or Diminazine. Oxytetracycline antibiotic was given mandatory to both groups. This study concludes overall prevalence of anaplasmosis among sick animals was significantly higher than other hemoparasites. Incidence rate of the A. marginale was at its peak during hot and humid months of the year specially in moon soon season. Disease transmission was facilitated in the farms where strict tick control programs were not adopted. Moreover, Imidocarb dipropionate showed 92% efficacy rate while Diminazine showed 56% efficacy rate. This study showed that Imidocarb dipropionate along with tetracycline antibiotics were drug of choice for the treatment of anaplasmosis.

Keywords: Anaplasmosis, Diminazine, Imidocarb dipropionate, Incidence rate, Prevalence.