Tanzania Veterinary Journal

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Babesiosis in West Kordofan State, Sudan

Suleiman A. I. Hano — 2026-07-20

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with great economic impacts on the cattle sector globally, caused by Babesia species and transmitted by Rhipicephalus and Ixodes ticks. This study aimed to determine its prevalence and risk factors in West Kordofan State, Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022. Blood samples from 154 cattle were randomly collected from Mayram (n=50), Muglad (n=54), and Debab (n=50). Babesia spp. were detected using microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears, and risk factor data were collected thorough a structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of Babesia spp. Infection was 37.0%. prevalence was highest in Mayram (48.0%), followed by Muglad (35.2%) and Debab (28.0%). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations with age, purpose of raising, cross-border movement, treatment history, and tick infestation. Multivariate analysis identified strong associations with cattle age (OR = 3.048, 95% CI: 1.219-7.621), cross-border movement (OR = 11.912 95% CI: 2.627-54.011), and lack of previous antiparasitic treatment (OR = 2.706). No significant associations were found for location, sex, breed, body condition, herd size, grazing system, or owner awareness. Bovine babesiosis is highly prevalent in West Kordofan. Key risk factors include cattle age, cross-border movement, and no prior treatment. The study recommends movement restrictions, regular antiparasitic treatments, improved veterinary surveillance, and molecular diagnostic methods for accurate species identification.

Keywords: Bovine babesiosis; Babesia species; cattle disease; risk factors; prevalence; tick-borne diseases; Sudan.

CCDC174 Gene Expression as a Molecular Marker of Bull Fertility

Janeth D. Mbuma — 2026-07-20

Conventional semen evaluation methods do not fully capture molecular differences among ejaculates with similar motility profiles. The CCDC174 gene has been associated with sperm motility and fertility in dairy bulls, but its predictive value across breeds under field classification systems remains unclear. This study evaluated whether CCDC174 expression differs between fertile and sub-fertile ejaculates and whether it predicts progressive motility. A total of 53 ejaculates from nine bulls of three dairy breeds (Friesian, Ayrshire, and Jersey) were analyzed at the National Artificial Insemination Centre, Tanzania. Ejaculates were classified as fertile or sub-fertile based on progressive motility . CASA was used to assess sperm kinetics. CCDC174 expression was quantified using qPCR, with GAPDH as the reference gene. Associations between variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, and a linear mixed-effects model was used to evaluate predictors of progressive motility. Most ejaculates (81.1%) were classified as fertile. CCDC174 expression differed significantly between fertile and sub-fertile groups. Progressive motility was associated with breed and gene expression in unadjusted analysis. In the mixed-effects model, CCDC174 expression and specific sperm kinetic parameters were significant predictors of progressive motility, while breed and season were not significant after adjustment. The study concludes that CCDC174 gene expression is associated with sperm progressive motility and independently predicts fertility-related parameters beyond conventional semen evaluation. These findings support its potential use as a complementary molecular marker in bull fertility assessment.

Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Tick Infestation in Pet Dogs in Baghdad, Iraq

Khalida H. Younis — 2026-07-22

This study is aimed at investigating the species composition, richness, diversity indices, evenness, spread, prevalence, and risk factors associated with tick infestation among pet dogs in Baghdad, Iraq. Six hundred and sixty-five pet dogs were subjected to systematic integumentary examinations; the ticks were collected in 70% ethanol and transported to the Laboratory, where they were morphologically identified using standard entomological keys. The biodiversity and species richness indices, the prevalence and risk factors of the infestation patterns, and the degree of tick infestation were determined. Of the 665 pet dogs sampled, 313 were infested with ticks, representing a prevalence of 47.07% with a 95% confidence interval of 43.30–50.87. A total of 759 ticks were collected belonging to four different species (Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus linnaei, Rhipicephalus pravus, and Rhipicephalus turanicus), with R. linnaei being the most prevalent. The biodiversity and species richness indices of ticks infesting pet dogs in Baghdad, Iraq, showed a low diversity and richness of tick species among the dogs, with fewer species (R. linnaei) dominating the ecosystem, and with the dogs being evenly distributed across the tick species. Breed, sex, age, season, and degree of infestation were significantly associated with the infestation of ticks among pet dogs in the study. This appears to be the first study in Iraq to assess the biodiversity of tick infestation in dogs. Findings from this study emphasize the need for owners of pet dogs to adopt regular, proper, and adequate tick control programs to prevent possible zoonotic transmissions of pathogens.

Influence of Monochromatic Light Exposure during Incubation and Rearing Stage on Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Broilers

Mziray A. Juraji — 2026-07-23

This study evaluated the effects of photo-thermal stimulation of broiler eggs and chicks, using different light wavelengths on carcass traits and meat quality of broiler chickens at market age. A total of 720 fertile broiler eggs were randomly assigned to three incubation light treatments from embryonic day one (ED1): green light (GL, 560 nm), blue light (BL, 480 nm), and darkness (control). After hatching, three parallel trials were conducted. In the first trial, day-old chicks (n = 240) from each treatment were reared under continuous photo stimulation matching the light intensity during incubation. In the second trial, chicks were brooded under their respective incubation light for two weeks, then exposed to conventional white light (WL). In the third trial, all chicks were reared under WL regardless of incubation light. All birds received standard diets, clean water, and vaccinations. Carcass traits (hot carcass weight, breast, thigh, drumstick, liver, heart, and abdominal fat) and meat quality parameters (pH, color, cooking loss, drip loss, and shear force) were recorded. Results showed that the BL and GL groups had significantly higher body and organ weights than WL. Dressing percentage peaked in BL (83.66%), while WL had the lowest (68.83%). Meat color (lightness L*) was higher in WL, indicating paler meat, while cooking and drip losses were also highest in WL, suggesting poor water-holding capacity. BL samples exhibited the lowest losses and shear force, reflecting better tenderness. Conclusively, photo stimulation using BL or GL, especially during early development, improves growth performance, carcass yield, and meat quality in broiler chickens.

Awareness of Human Health Risks Associated with Antimicrobial Residues in Beef and Related Antibiotic Use Practices Among Cattle Producers in Kibaha District, Tanzania

Kaduma C. Mwalusito — 2026-07-23

Antimicrobial agents have enhanced human and animal health by reducing infections, and they are widely applied in livestock for treatment, disease prevention, and growth promotion. However, misuse, particularly failure to observe withdrawal periods, can result in antimicrobial residues in animal products, leading to allergic reactions and contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study assessed awareness of these health risks among 216 cattle producers in Kibaha District, Tanzania. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire in Kobo Toolbox, administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ demographics, awareness, and practices, while logistic regression examined the influence of age, education, experience, and gender. Findings revealed that although 86.6% had heard of antibiotics, only 38.2% understood withdrawal periods. Half (50.5%) believed antibiotics cure all animal diseases, and 46.7% were unaware of side effects. Awareness of AMR and antimicrobial residues was low, with more than 60% unfamiliar with these terms. Antibiotics were mostly accessed without veterinary prescriptions (81.6%), often with dosing based on past experience. Moreover, 69.8% stopped treatment once animals appeared improved. Older farmers demonstrated some safer practices but also relied heavily on informal drug use. Education had a significant positive effect, with those holding secondary education or higher showing better awareness and practices. Farming experience showed no consistent effect, while gender differences were negligible. Overall, the study highlights high antibiotic use but poor awareness of related health risks, underscoring the urgent need for farmer education, improved veterinary services, and stronger regulation to ensure safe antimicrobial use and protect public health.