Sero-prevalence and risk factor analysis of Theileria equi infection in equids from different agro-climatic zones of Punjab (India) by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody test.

The research article studies the prevalence and risk factors of Theileria equi infection, a tick-borne disease commonly found in India’s equids. The study tested 120 equines from different agro-climatic zones in Punjab, using an Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody test (IFAT). It found that the disease is widely prevalent, with different infection rates noted in different zones and different types of equines.

Research Methodology

• The researchers used an epidemiological survey approach for the study.
• An Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody test (IFAT) was employed to examine the presence of equine piroplasmosis caused by Theileria equi.
• 120 animals, including 98 horses and 22 donkeys/mules, from five districts of two main agro-climatic zones of Punjab were screened for the study.

Key Findings

• The overall prevalence of Theileria equi infection was found to be 58.33%.
• The infection risk for T. equi was significantly higher in the western plane zone (74.50%) compared to the western zone (46.38%).
• In terms of districts, Fazilka recorded the highest prevalence at 80.76%, whereas Bathinda recorded the lowest at 35.29%.
• Donkeys/mules had an odds ratio of 1.67, meaning they were more likely to be infected compared to horses.

Implications

• The study reveals that factors such as geographical location, type of host animal, and certain management practices contribute to the risk of T. equi infection.
• The findings suggest that equine piroplasmosis is endemic in Punjab, largely thanks to the latent infection of Theileria equi detectable by serological techniques.
• The elevated risk in specific zones, such as the western plane zone and western zone, highlights the need for better management and preventive strategies in these areas.