Abstract:
Cross sectional study design was implemented from October 2013 to March 2014 with the aims of
determining the prevalence of bovine babesiosis and its associated risk factors in and around Jimma town,
southwestern Ethiopia. 390 cattle had conveniently been selected and blood collected from ear vein and jugular
vein. Thin and thick smears as well as packed cell volume were measured for the detection of Babesia and
anemia, respectively. Out of 390 blood samples of cattle 50 (12.8%) were infected with Babesia. Risk factors like
age, sex, body condition score, breed and management system were not significantly associated with
prevalence of bovine babesiosis (P>0.0) while risk factors like tick infestation, fever and packed cell volume were
significantly associated with prevalence of bovine Babesiosis (P<0.05). It is concluded that the prevalence of
bovine babesiosis is moderate in the area and tick vector should be controlled to control bovine babesiosis in
the study area.
