First report of Besnoitia besnoiti seropositive cattle in Greece

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Published: Dec 21, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.15527
Keywords:
Besnoitia besnoiti dairy cattle emerging disease Greece protozoan parasite
E. PAPADOPOULOS (Η. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ)
Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
G. ARSENOS (Γ. ΑΡΣΕΝΟΣ)
Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
S. PTOCHOS (Σ. ΠΤΩΧΟΣ)
Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
P. KATSOULOS (Π. ΚΑΤΣΟΥΛΟΣ)
School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool
G. OIKONOMOU (Γ. ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΥ)
School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool
M. A. KARATZIA (Μ.Α. ΚΑΡΑΤΖΙΑ)
Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
H. KARATZIAS (Χ. ΚΑΡΑΤΖΙΑΣ)
Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Abstract

Aim of this study was to investigate presence of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in indigenous and imported cattle in Greece. A total of 450 bovine blood sera samples from 15 dairy herds of Northern Greece were tested using a commercially available kit to detect specific anti-B. besnoiti antibodies. Ninety-eight cows were found to be seropositive to B. besnoiti (22%). Seropositivity varied among herds from 0% to 35%. Results were analysed using a univariate analysis of variance. A full factorial model was developed, using as independent variables area of sampling (Thrace, Macedonia) and origin of cattle (local, imported). No significant effect was found of the variables included into the model (P > 0.05). It is concluded that seropositive dairy cows are present in Northern Greece; however, impact of this parasite on animal production in Greece remains a key topic for further investigation.

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