Vector-Borne Pathogens with Veterinary and Public Health Significance in Melophagus ovinus (Sheep Ked) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that mainly parasitizes sheep. In addition to causing inflammation, wool loss, and skin damage the animal hosts, M. also serves as vector for variety of pathogens highly likely participate in life transmission cycle pathogenic organisms. Herein, we investigated presence molecular characterization vector-borne from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. A total 92 pools collected Qinghai province China were screened selected pathogens. The overall positive rate A. ovis, bovis, phagocytophilum, T. ovis was 39.1%, 17.4%, 9.8%, 89.1%, respectively. All samples negative Border disease virus (BDV), other Anaplasma species, Babesia spp., Rickettsia Borrelia spp. Co-infection different species occurred 51.2% all with ovis. rates phagocytophilum regions altitudes sampling sites significantly different. Sequence phylogenetic analysis target genes confirmed their identity corresponding Our results elucidate occurrence Theileria ovinus, which could act potential zoonotic reservoirs. To best our knowledge, this first report detection bovis DNA ovinus. This study gives extensive survey veterinary public health significance