Enquête Sur La Theilériose Bovine Auprès Des Vétérinaires Dans La Région De Sétif

Abstract

Tropical theileriosis is an enzootic parasitic disease in humid, subhumid, and semi-arid areas of the country, where climatic conditions favor the development of tick vectors. This study is based on information collected from 50 veterinarians regarding tropical theileriosis in cattle in the Sétif region during the period of March to April. It aims to provide recent data on the factors influencing the spread of this parasitic disease transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma, mainly Hyalomma scupense. The survey revealed that the hot season is particularly conducive to an increase in the infection rate by Theileria annulata, with a peak of 98% of animals infected, compared to only 4% during the cold season. The age of the cattle is a determining factor, with animals aged 1 to 2 years being the most affected, while younger animals under one year show a lower prevalence. A significant difference was also observed between sexes, with females being more frequently infected than males. The breed of cattle also influences susceptibility to the disease: exotic breeds have a higher prevalence than local breeds, although this difference was not statistically significant. Finally, the hygiene conditions of the livestock buildings play a crucial role: farms with plastered walls and no cracks show a significantly lower prevalence, highlighting the importance of maintaining structures to limit the survival of the tick vectors. These results emphasize the need to integrate environmental management measures, notably improving rearing conditions and controlling tick vectors, to reduce the spread of tropical theileriosis in Algeria.