Options
Changing incidence of bovine babesiosis in Ireland
Date Issued
2014-09-05
Date Available
2016-07-05T11:24:43Z
Abstract
Background: In Ireland bovine babesiosis is caused by the tick-borne blood parasite, Babesia divergens. A survey of veterinary practitioners and farmers in the 1980’s revealed an annual incidence of 1.7% associated with considerable economic losses. However, two subsequent surveys in the 1990’s indicated a decline in clinical babesiosis. Recent evidence from continental Europe suggests that, probably due to climate change, the distribution of the tick vector of B. divergens, Ixodes ricinus is extending to more northerly regions and higher altitudes. In addition, milder winters are thought to widen the window of tick activity. In order to determine whether any such changes have affected the incidence of bovine babesiosis in Ireland, a questionnaire survey of farmers and veterinarians was carried out and compared with data from previous surveys. Results: Our survey indicates that while the incidence of clinical disease has continued to decline, cases can occur at any time of year. In contrast to previous surveys, affected farms were the same size as unaffected ones. There was no correlation between disease risk and the presence of deer on the land. Disease severity and mortality rates were increased because many infections were advanced by the time they were detected and treated. Conclusion: While the precise reasons for the decline in the incidence of redwater are unknown, changes in agricultural practice are likely to be of importance. A reversal of the trend could be devastating, as vigilance among farmers and veterinarians is flagging and the national herd is losing its protective immunity to disease.
Sponsorship
European Commission Horizon 2020
Other Sponsorship
Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences (BMBS) COST Action TD1303
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
BioMed Central
Journal
Irish Veterinary Journal
Volume
67
Issue
19
Start Page
1
End Page
7
Copyright (Published Version)
2014 the Authors
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
File(s)
Owning collection
Scopus© citations
25
Acquisition Date
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
Views
2225
Acquisition Date
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
Downloads
401
Last Week
6
6
Last Month
9
9
Acquisition Date
Mar 28, 2024
Mar 28, 2024