Abstract:
Bovine babesiosis also known as redwater, is the worldwide most important hemoparasitic diseases
of cattle that causes significant morbidity and mortality. It is caused by intra-erythrocytic protozoan parasites
of the genus Babesia, which affects a wide range of domestic and wild animals and occasionally humans.
Two important Babesia species: B. bigemina and B bovis infect cattle. They are widespread in tropical and
subtropical areas including Ethiopia and are vectored by one host tick Rhipicephalus species and transmission
is manly transovarial. The objectives of this manuscript are to review currently available article in relation to
epidemiology, diagnosis, public health importance, control and preventions of bovine babesiosis and
highlighting the disease status in Ethiopia. During the tick bite, sporozoites are injected into the host and
directly infect red blood cells. Babesia produces acute disease by hemolysis and circulatory disturbance
mechanism. The rapidly dividing parasites in the red cells produce rapid destruction of the erythrocytes with
accompanying haemoglobinaemia, haemoglobinuria and fever. Microscopic examination is cheapest and fastest
methods used to identify Babesia parasites. But not reliable for detection of carrier animals; in these cases
molecular detection methods, or serological diagnostic procedures to demonstrate specific antibodies,
are required. Although some species of Babesia such as B. microti can affect healthy people, cattle parasites
seem to cause disease only in people who are immunocompromised. Early detection of blood parasites is highly
beneficial active prevention and control of Babesiosis and it is achieved by three main methods: immunization,
chemoprophylaxis and vector control. Imidocarb is the drug of choice for bovine babesiosis. The use of
genetically resistant cattle such as B. indicus is proposed as sustainable approach to decrease the incidence
of disease.
