Haemostatic Parameters in Cattle with Tick-Borne Diseases in Taraba State

Tick-borne diseases including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis commonly cause coagulopathies in affected cattle through immune-mediated platelet destruction, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and vascular endothelial damage. In Taraba State, North East Nigeria, where tick burdens are high due to humid conditions and pasture management challenges, haemostatic complications of tick-borne diseases represent a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This study evaluated haemostatic parameters in cattle confirmed to have tick-borne infections at farms and veterinary facilities in Jalingo. Sixty cattle were enrolled: 40 confirmed tick-borne disease positive by PCR and blood smear and 20 apparently healthy controls. Haemostatic parameters measured included platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen concentration, and D-dimer levels. Platelet count was significantly reduced in tick-borne disease-positive animals compared with controls, with thrombocytopenia severe below 50 x 10 to the ninth per litre in 12 animals. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly prolonged in 30 percent of positive animals, consistent with acquired coagulopathy. Fibrinogen was initially elevated in acute cases but declined to below normal in three severe cases suggesting consumption coagulopathy. D-dimer was significantly elevated in positive animals. Haemostatic abnormalities were most severe in animals with concurrent babesiosis and anaplasmosis co-infection. These findings characterise the haemostatic profile of tick-borne disease in Nigerian cattle and support inclusion of coagulation screening in the diagnostic workup of severely affected animals. Keywords: haemostasis, tick-borne disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Taraba State.