Prevalence of Babesia bovis and Anaplasma marginale at selected localities in Sri Lanka

Sera were collected from a minimum of 20 cattle aged nine to 36 months at each of 14 localities in five climatic zones of Sri Lanka. Sera were tested for antibodies to Babesia bovis and Anaplasma by an indirect fluorescent antibody test and a card agglutination test, respectively. Antibodies to B. bovis and Anaplasma were detected in all samples tested from each of 14 and 12 localities respectively. In general, prevalences were consistently high among localities below 1,200 m and lower and more variable in the hill country. Management practice rather than climate was considered to be the main factor influencing prevalences. Management is discussed in relation to the risk of disease outbreak.