SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF BOVINE BABESIOSIS CAUSED BY BABESIA-OVATA, B-BIGEMINA AND BABESIA-BOVIS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Cattle in Peninsular Malaysia were examined for evidence of infection with Babesia ovata, B. bigemina and B. bovis by an enzyme-linked immun osorbent assay for detection of antibody to the three Babesia species. All of the test samples when assayed with B. ovata antigen, resulted in low value indicating low probability of cattle infected with B. big emina, 74.4% were positive for B. bovis and 72.6% were positive for bo th Babesia species. In addition, a serological survey with regard to a ge difference was carried out on a milk production farm. High reactivi ty antibody to B. bigemina and B. bovis was detected in calves less th an 1 month of the age. The reactivity decreased in calves 1-3 months o f the age. Then, the reactivity increased for both Babesia species in 6 months old calves. These results suggested that cattle infected with B. bigemina and B. bovis were widespread throughout Peninsular Malays ia and that both parasites might exist as an enzootical parasite.