Seroprevalence of Anaplasma Infection in Sheep and Cattle in Kurdistan Province of Iran with an Overview of one Decades of its Epidemiological Status in Iran

Abstract

Aim: Anaplasmosis is an important economic livestock disease. Limited information on its epidemiology in Iran is still lacking thus the aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of the disease in sheep and cattle in Kurdistan province of Western Iran with an overview of one decades of its epidemiological status in Iran. Study Design: This was a mixed cross sectional and longitudinal study carried out for a period of July to September 2013. Using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), for anti-Anaplasmaantibodies. Methodology: A total of 182 blood samples were collected from 105 cattle and 77 sheep for the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma species using cELISA method. For this purpose, cattle and sheep of different sex and age were examined. Results: Examination of 182 blood samples revealed that 8 (7.62%) and 5 (6.49%) of cattle and sheep were infected with Anaplasma species, respectively. Also, the prevalence of Anaplasma infection in relation to age and sex was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study showed an increasing prevalence of the infection in cattle and sheep of Kurdistan area in western Iran which help to have appropriate prevention measures for Anaplasmosis.