Authors : Hong Yin , Jianxun Luo , Qicai Zhang , Guiquan Guan , Bingyi Lu , Jianhong Guo , Yajun Wang and Wenshun Lu
Abstract: Three experiments were carried out to determine if Theileria annulata could be transmitted to small ruminants. Three Theileria-free batches of laboratory-reared larvae of Hyalomma detritum and larvae and nymphs of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum were applied to calves infected with Theileria annulata. The adult ticks of Hy. detritum and the nymphs and adult ticks of Hy. a. anatolicum which developed from these infestations were used for the experiments. In experiment 1, T. annulata sporozoites were inoculated into an intact calf. On day 20, the parasitaemia of the calf was 75% and it died from theileriosis. In experiment 2, one splenectomized sheep and one intact goat were each infested with 110 adult ticks of Hy. detritum. From 8-12 days post infestation, febrile responses were observed, but schizonts were not seen in lymph node biopsy smears. Subsequent examination of blood films for the presence of piroplasms of Theileria was also negative. In experiment 3, each of two sheep were infested with 500 nymphal ticks and each of two other sheep were infested with 200 adult ticks of Hy a. anatolicum. The results were the same as those of experiment 2. It was concluded that T. annulata only causes a mild febrile response and does not produce schizonts and piroplasms in sheep and goat when transmitted to these host species by Hy. detritum and Hy. a. anatolicum.
Hong Yin , Jianxun Luo , Qicai Zhang , Guiquan Guan , Bingyi Lu , Jianhong Guo , Yajun Wang and Wenshun Lu , 2003. Attempted Transmission of Theileria annulata to Sheep and Goats with Hyalomma detritum and Hyalomma anatolicum. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2: 372-374.