Bovine Theileriosis: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Control Strategies

Abstract

Bovine theileriosis is a significant tick-borne parasitic disease that poses a major threat to cattle health and productivity. This review summarizes current understanding of its etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and control with particular emphasis on Theileria annulata. The disease is transmitted by ixodid ticks and causes major severe economic losses due to reduced milk production, weight loss, increased mortality, and high treatment costs. Theileria pathogenesis is linked to the ability of the parasite to transform host leukocytes into proliferative cells, which promote disease progression and immunopathology. Clinical manifestations range from fever and anemia to lymphadenopathy and systemic complications. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical observation, microscopic examination, serological assays, and advanced molecular techniques, with PCR-based and CRISPR-based methods offering high sensitivity and specificity. Theileriosis control remains challenging due to drug resistance, limited vaccine efficacy, and the persistence of carrier animals. This review emphasizes the importance of developing integrated disease management, studying the host genetic resistance, and providing advanced molecular research for the development of effective vaccines and sustainable control strategies against bovine theileriosis.