Comparison of three diagnostic methods for Theileria annulata in Sahiwal and Friesian cattle in Pakistan

The prevalence of the blood protozoa was studied by sampling from Sahiwal and Friesian cattle, 500 each, from livestock farms in three districts of Punjab province during September 2006 to August 2007. The seasonal prevalence was higher in Friesian cattle as compared with Sahiwal cattle i.e. 97.6% versus 44.8 % during summer, 17.6% versus 20.8% during winter, 12.8% versus 9.6% during autumn respectively. Initial blood film examination revealed anemia, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis and hematological findings indicated macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Theileria annulata, Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis were detected by PCR in both Friesian and Sahiwal cattle. Out of 500 blood samples obtained from each breed of cattle 5%, Sahiwal cattle were positive in blood smears for Theileria as against 7% samples of Friesian cattle. Blood protozoan mixed infection with Babesia 1.58% was recorded in both breeds by blood smear examination during summer and spring season.