Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases (piroplasms) among dromedary camels in Al Batinah Governorate, Oman; with emphasis on molecular characterization of the isolates

Ticks and Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are major health issues that hinder animal reproduction and productivity in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Piroplasm parasites such as Theileria spp and Babesia spp. continue to pose a threat to animal breeding programs, which includes camels. In many countries where ticks control programs are infrequent, the widespread geographic distribution of tick vectors like Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp. and Boophilus spp. facilitates the transmission of TBDs. Numerous hard tick species have been reported in the Middle East countries, and these ticks may play a significant role in the transmission of Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. Additionally, Theileria lestoquardi was isolated from sheep in Oman and was connected to the widespread infestation of hard ticks. In the GCC countries, where the Theileriosis, babesiosis, and ticks are reported in certain neighboring countries, the close contact between camels during racing competitions and other cultural events may increase the spread of hard ticks and these diseases over national borders. The incidence of Theileria spp. in sheep was documented in various articles, but very little is known about ticks and piroplasms among camels in Oman. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to classify the isolates and use traditional and molecular parasitological methods to diagnose Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. and its biological vectors in camels in the Al Batinah region of Oman. For a more effective control program, the distribution of Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. and their primary tick vectors among camels in the Al Batinah Governorate will be emphasized in detail.