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This research aims to understand the prevalence and exposure of cattle to Babesia spp. in South Africa.

May 9, 2026Parasitology ResearchOpen Access

Epidemiological insights into bovine babesiosis in South African cattle

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Randomized trial assesses molecular prevalence and serological exposure in cattle, suggesting improved disease monitoring strategies.

This research aims to understand the prevalence and exposure of cattle to Babesia spp. in South Africa.
Combined prospective (2022-2023) and archived DNA samples (2016-2022) from fourteen dip tanks.
Used qPCR to assess current parasitaemia and IFAT for prior exposure.
Analyzed 81 out of 216 cattle positive for Babesia spp. in Mnisi and 113 out of 187 in other areas.
In Mnisi, 38% of cattle were positive for at least one Babesia spp., with 19% for B. bovis and 6% for B. bigemina.
Overall prevalence of B. bigemina was highest in the Free State (51%) and B. bovis in KZN (62%).
Agreement analysis showed qPCR and IFAT had slight agreement for B. bovis (K = 0.12, p = 0.00046) indicating the need for both methods.

Bambeni et al. (2026) studied this question.

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