Serological prevalence of bovine babesiosis in Guyana

The serological prevalence of bovine babesiosis in Guyana was determined utilising the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and the complement fixation (CF) tests. Babesia bigemina IFA and CF antibody activity was detected in 80% and 40% respectively of the sera from native cattle while IFA and CF antibody activity to Babesia bovis was observed in 61% and 16% of the sera. The prevalence of antibody was compared between calves less than 6 months of age and mature cattle. There was little difference between the CF and IFA tests for B. bigemina in the calves but the prevalence of IFA antibody activity to B. bovis in calves and to B. bovis and B. bigemina was greater in adult cattle. Examination of sequential serum samples from imported calves revealed that CF antibody activity appeared earlier but by day 51 following exposure to natural infection the prevalence of antibody as determined by both tests was the same.