A Pathogenic Theilerial Syndrome Of Cattle In The Narok District Of kenya

Abstract

Two theilerial parasites, pathogenic for cattle, were isolated during a field trial conducted at Aitong in the Narok District of Kenya. In a series of laboratory experiments the first of these parasites was successfully transmitted to all of 18 cattle by syringe inoculation of piroplasm infected blood. Two lines were established which were passaged 5 and 3 times respectively_ The animals inoculated all underwent a haemolytic syndrome with anaemia and jaundice and 5 of them died. Macro- and microschizonts were seen in only one of these 18 animals, but piroplasms were present in large numbers. Animals which had recovered from infection and were challenged with Theileria parva all died and there was no evidence that previous infection had conferred any protection on them. This infection was not transmitted by ticks.