First report of Theileria annulata in Nigeria: Findings from cattle ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States

Abstract Background Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a significant economic burden to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. However, the northern part of this country, where largest livestock population resides, little is known about contemporary diversity ticks TBPs. This area particularly vulnerable climate change, undergoing marked transformation habitat associated flora fauna that also likely include ticks. study aimed document occurrence tick species Apicomplexan TBPs from north-western Methods In 2017, were collected Zamfara Sokoto States identified morphologically. Additionally, subset was screened molecularly for detection apicomplexan DNA. Results A total 494 adult 80 65 State. Nine encountered, among which presence one, Hyalomma turanicum , had not previously been recorded rufipes most prevalent infesting State (76%), while dromedarii (44%), confirming widespread transfer camels onto its adaptation region. Of 159 screened, 2 out 54 (3.7%) 29 105 (27.6%) harboured DNA Theileria annulata agent tropical theileriosis. Conclusions confirms broad Nigeria, providing first locality records The H. indicates distribution beyond Africa. provides report T. Nigerian Given enormous on north across Asia, further investigations are needed better understand epidemiology, vector transmission potential clinical significance Nigeria neighbouring Sahelian countries. Graphical abstract