Molecular and haematological investigations on Anaplasma ovis infection in goats in Ahvaz, Iran: Insights into infection rate, haemolytic effect and breed influences

Background Anaplasma ovis (A. ovis) is the predominant causative agent of anaplasmosis in goats and sheep in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, there is considerable variation in reported infection rates, breed susceptibility, and controversial findings regarding the haemolytic effects of A. ovis infection in goats. Objectives Thus, we investigated the molecular and haematological aspects of A. ovis infection in goats from Ahvaz city. Methods One hundred and fifty apparently healthy goats (74 blacks and 76 Najdi goats) were randomly sampled from six flocks in the Ahvaz suburb during ticks’ activity season. Haematological evaluation, smear microscopic (SM) examination and PCR assay were performed to assess A. ovis infection. Additionally, the percentage of parasitemia was determined from blood smears. Results SM examination revealed that 25.7% of the goats displayed erythrocyte Anaplasma‐like inclusion bodies. PCR analysis indicated that 54% of the goats were positive for A. ovis infection (44.6% of blacks and 63.2% of Najdi goats). No significant difference in haematological values was observed between healthy and infected goats based on PCR testing. However, a significant difference in haematological indices was observed between the group with parasitemia level of 0.01–0.02% (SM and PCR positive) compared to the healthy goats (SM and PCR negative), particularly concerning Hb, PCV and RBC count (p < 0.01). Conclusions When the parasitemia exceeds 0.01%, A. ovis infection may disrupt haematological parameters in infected goats. The high prevalence of A. ovis infection (54%) among the studied goats underscores the importance of giving special attention to implementing necessary measures for disease control in the Ahvaz suburb. Seventy‐sex Najdi and 74 black native goats were included. In blood SM, 25.7% of the goats displayed intra‐erythrocyte Anaplasma‐like inclusion bodies and in PCR assay, 54% were positive for A. ovis infection (44.6% of blacks and 63.2% of Najdi goats). When the parasitemia exceeded 0.01%, A. ovis infection could disrupt the haematological parameters in the infected goats.