The Application of an Indirect Method of Infecting Ticks with Piroplasms for Use in the Isolation of Field Infections

Abstract

Nymphal R. appendiculatus ticks became infected with Theileria parva following the intraperitoneal inoculation of fresh or refrigerated infected bovine blood into rabbits on which the ticks were feeding. The method was successfully used in the isolation of field infections and as blood is the only material needed from such cases the method can be readily and conveniently applied in the isolation of different field strains of T. parva and possibly of similar blood-borne protozoal diseases.