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The study investigated the detection of caprine theileriosis using Giemsa-stained direct blood smears and conventional PCR techniques, with a sample size of 150 goats of both gender and various ages were collected between July 7, 2023, and October 20, 2023, in Erbil governorate, Iraq. The infection rates of theileriosis were determined as 29.3% and 65.3%, respectively. Clinical symptoms in infected goats included dullness, depression, fever, increased respiratory rate, anorexia, pale conjunctival mucous membrane, lethargy, rough hairy skin with tick infestations, cough, nasal discharge, and prescapular lymph node enlargement. Gender-based analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates between females 17.76% and males 11.81%. However, a higher infection rate 21.8% was observed in goats aged 1-5 years compared to other age groups. Imported goats had the highest infection rate 50%, followed by imported black goats 27.3% and Merzi goats 21.4%. PCR analysis using 'catch-all' primers detected a 1098 bp band, indicating Theileria spp. infection. Specific primers for T. ovis revealed a 520 bp band, confirming T. ovis infection. All goats identified as positive through microscopic examination were also positive in PCR. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA sequences indicated a 98-100% similarity to T. ovis. Sequences were isolated from Iraq, Turkey, and China. In conclusion, the study provides insights into the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and molecular characteristics of caprine theileriosis. The findings contribute valuable information for understanding and managing theileriosis in goat populations.
Tawfeeq et al. (Mon,) studied this question.