Severe Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens concomitant infection in imported captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Tick-borne diseases are highly prevalent in domestic and wild ruminants and they may be distributed in wide geographical ranges by animal transportation. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of European strains of Babesia spp. and/or Anaplasma spp. in oversea imported reindee...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lola Romanos, Renaud Pierre Maillard
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ss.Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje 2020-10-01
Series:Macedonian Veterinary Review
Subjects:
Online Access:https://macvetrev.mk/LoadArticleContent?DOI=10.2478_macvetrev_2020_0023
Description
Summary:Tick-borne diseases are highly prevalent in domestic and wild ruminants and they may be distributed in wide geographical ranges by animal transportation. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of European strains of Babesia spp. and/or Anaplasma spp. in oversea imported reindeer specimens. Imported specimens (n=7) were hospitalized with visible tick infestation (Ixodes ricinus) and signs of cachexia, anemia, and hemoglobinuria. Using blood smears, PCR, and BLAST comparisons, it was confirmed that the animals were infected with a French strain of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia divergens which is considered to be absent in the USA. We conclude that oversea importation of reindeers must be followed with a routine check for geographically-specific strains of pathogens from the place of origin. This monitoring process must be dynamic and according to recent reports of tick-borne pathogens.
ISSN:1409-7621
1857-7415