Prevalence and Co-infection of Blood Parasites in Beef Cattle in Agam Regency, West Sumatra: An Epidemiological and Risk Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25077/alive.v3.n2.p178-187.2026Keywords:
Blood parasites, beef cattle, prevalence, Theileria sp, Babesia sp, Agam RegencyAbstract
Blood parasitic diseases remain a major constraint to cattle productivity in tropical regions, including Indonesia. This study aimed to detect blood parasites and determine their prevalence in different types of beef cattle in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data obtained from the West Sumatra Provincial Livestock Service. A total of 163 blood smear samples were examined, consisting of 22 local cattle and 141 crossbred cattle (Simmental and Limousin). Blood parasite identification was performed using Giemsa-stained thin blood smears observed under light microscopy. The results showed that Theileria sp and Babesia sp were the only blood parasites detected. The overall prevalence of Theileria sp was 70.55%, while Babesia sp was 18.40%. No infections of Anaplasma sp or Trypanosoma sp were found. Based on cattle type, the prevalence of Theileria sp was higher in local cattle (81.82%) than in crossbred cattle (68.79%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of Babesia sp was significantly higher in local cattle (40.91%) compared to crossbred cattle (14.89%) (p < 0.05). Risk analysis indicated that local cattle had a higher risk of Babesia sp infection (RR = 2.75) and nearly four times higher odds compared to crossbred cattle (OR = 3.96). In conclusion, Theileria sp was the dominant blood parasite infecting beef cattle in Agam Regency, while Babesia sp infection was significantly associated with cattle type. Local cattle were identified as a higher-risk group for babesiosis. These findings highlight the need for improved vector control and routine surveillance of blood parasitic diseases, particularly in traditional cattle production systems.
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