The endemic status of Anaplasma marginale in cattle, in Turkey

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and endemic status of Anaplasma marginale in cattle in the province of Konya. A total of 700 cattle were randomly selected, categorized in different age groups (i.e. 0–6, 7–12, 13–24, 25–36 and >36 months) and examined in Kadinhani, Cumra and Beysehir provinces and in Konya city center. The presence of A. marginale was diagnosed by microscopic examination of blood smears and competitive ELISA (cELISA). Parasites were observed in 11.29% of blood smears, and 31.86% of animals were positive for antibodies against A. marginale. The rates of seropositivity in successively older age groups were 19.1, 24.39, 33.14, 44.21 and 37.36% respectively. The endemic status of the disease was determined by calculating the inoculation rate (h) of cattle in each age group. The h value was detected to be lower than 0.005 and the endemic status of A. marginale was found to be unstable. If the cattle in Konya province were vaccinated when they are 9 to 12 months of age, they could be protected during the seasons when the disease is prevalent.