Prevalence of Haemoparasites in Cattle in Gombe State, North East Nigeria

Haemoparasitic infections including theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and trypanosomiasis are important causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigerian livestock, reducing productivity through anaemia, fever, and weight loss with consequent economic losses to pastoralists and agropastoral farmers. This study determines the prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted, examining 280 cattle from four agropastoral communities in Gombe, Akko, and Billiri Local Government Areas. Blood smears were prepared from jugular blood samples and stained with Giemsa for microscopic identification of haemoparasitic species. Packed cell volume was measured using a microhaematocrit centrifuge for anaemia assessment. Data on cattle breed, age, sex, body condition, tick burden, and treatment history were recorded from herdsmen. Current literature from 2020 to 2024 documents Theileria, Babesia, and Anaplasma as the dominant haemoparasites in Gombe State cattle, with mixed infections frequently observed. This study aims to generate updated prevalence data stratified by cattle breed, season, and tick burden, and assess the relationship between haemoparasitaemia and anaemia severity. Findings will be submitted to the Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture to guide tick control and chemoprophylaxis recommendations for cattle herders. Keywords: haemoparasites, cattle, Gombe State, Theileria, Babesia.