Bovine Theileriosis and its Control: A Review

Arthropod transmitted hemoparasitic diseases are economically important vector-borne diseases of tropical and subtropical parts of the world including Ethiopia. Bovine theileriosis is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease of cattle caused by several theileria species and among them T. parva, the cause of East Coast fever and T. annulata, the causative agent of tropical theileriosis are the most pathogenic and economically important. The aim of this manuscript is to review currently available articles on the bovine theileriosis with a special attention to its control. Theileria have complex life cycles involving both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Tropical theileriosis and East Coast Fever are disease transmitted by Ixodid tick of the genus Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, respectively. Furthermore, the sporozoites are transmitted to animals in the saliva of the feeding tick. Bovine theileriosis is characterized by high fever, weakness, weight loss, inappropriate appetite, conjunctival petechia, enlarged lymph nodes and anemia. PCR is the most beneficial molecular tool for diagnosis of infection till date than blood and lymph node smear examination and serological tests. Bovine theileriosis has global economic significance thus prevention is the best method to control losses related with the disease. Among Several control methods the most practical and widely used method is the chemical control of ticks with acaricides. However, tick control practices are not always fully effective and hence vaccination is the most sustainable option. Since there is difference in breed of cattle to tick resistance the selection of tick resistant cattle breeds is also proposed as a sustainable approach for controlling infection in developing world. Currently occurrence of tropical theileriosis is confirmed in Ethiopia thus, more research should be conducted to design and implement appropriate controland prevention strategies.