Prevalence of Babesia and associated haematological changes in pigs in the Ejisu and Juaben Municipalities, Ghana

Babesia spp. are tick-borne parasites that infect red blood cells and cause significant economic losses in livestock through anaemia, reduced productivity, and mortality. Despite their impact, there are limited data on the prevalence and haematological effects of Babesia infections in pigs in Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region. This study focused on the prevalence of and associated haematological changes in pigs in the Ejisu and Juaben municipalities. This cross-sectional study examined infections in pigs from nine farms in the Ejisu and Juaben Municipalities of Ghana. Blood samples were collected from 118 pigs, determined using the Cochran formula, and were randomly selected and analysed. The results revealed a high prevalence of Babesia spp. infections in pigs (70.3%), with adults (84.3%) and the Large White breed (54.2%) being more susceptible than growers (15.7%) and the Landrace breed (45.8%) (p < 0.001). Frequent wildlife contact (88.9%) was a significantly associated factor (P < 0.001). Other factors, such as high stocking densities and farms rearing only pigs, also increased the infection rates (p < 0.001). Haematological analysis revealed significant anaemia in infected pigs, with reduced haemoglobin (14.11 ± 4.39 g/dL, p = 0.033) and haematocrit levels (37.76 ± 11.03%, p = 0.025) and lymphocytosis (22.48 ± 7.66%, p = 0.037). This study highlights the high prevalence of Babesia infections in pigs in the Ashanti Region, particularly Babesia spp., which contributes to significant economic losses. Improved biosecurity, integrated vector management, routine screening, and advanced diagnostic techniques are recommended to mitigate these effects.