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Studies were carried on the prevalence of tick infestation in cattle in District Quetta, the Provincial Head Quarter of Balochistan Province. The results of the study revealed that, out of 600 cattle 210(35%) were positive for tick infestation. Among these, adult cattle over 3 years of age showed higher prevalence (82.05%) followed by cattle up to 3 years (75.64%), 2 years (70.51%), 12 months (19.16%), 9 months (5.83%) and leß than 6 months of age (1.58%).. Holstein Friesian revealed higher prevalence (59%) than Croßbred (28.5%) and Bhag Nari cattle breed (17.5%). Similarly the uppermost tick infestation (84%) was recorded in summer season while the lowermost (4.66%) was noted in winter. Female animals showed higher (36%) tick infestation than male (32%).The most dominant tick species identified; Rhipiciphalus (Boophilus) microplus (35.5%), Rhipiciphalus (Boophilus) annulatus (28.5%), Hyaloma (26.5%) and Rhipiciphalus sanguineus (9.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pakistan is considered as an endemic country for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever with numerous outbreaks and sporadic cases reported during the past two decades. Majority of cases are reported from Baluchistan province with subsequent transmissions to non-endemic regions mainly through infected animals directly or via infested ticks. We hereby describe the molecular investigations of CCHF cases reported during 2008 in Quetta city of Baluchistan province. Methods: Serum Samples from 44 patients, with clinical signs of hemorrhagic fever attending a tertiary care hospital in Quetta city, were collected and tested for CCHF virus antigen and genomic RNA, using capture IgM EIA kit and standard RT-PCR assay, respectively. The partial S-gene fragments were directly sequenced to get information related to the prevailing CCHFV genotypes and their molecular epidemiology in Pakistan. Results: Out of the total forty four, sixteen (36%) samples were found positive for CCHF IgM. Similarly, viral RNA was detected in six (16%) samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all study viruses belong to genotype Asia-1 with closest similarity (99-100%) to the previously reported strains from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Conclusion: We conclude that CCHF virus remains endemic within Baluchistan and its neighboring regions of Afghanistan warranting a need of incessant surveillance activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bluetongue (BT), caused by bluetongue virus (BTV), is a vector‐borne disease of small ruminants that has the potential to spread across international borders. Despite large populations of susceptible animals and borders with BTV endemic countries, little is known of the disease burden and prevalent serotypes in the province of Balochistan in Pakistan. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to determine seroconversion and prevalent serotypes in selected districts of the province using a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Sera (n = 876) were collected from clinically healthy sheep and goats originating from the districts of Quetta (n = 300), Mastung (n = 201), Killa Saifullah (n = 75) and Kech (n = 300). None of the study herds (n = 97) were seronegative for BTV, and at the individual level, the overall prevalence of BTV seroconversion was 47.26% (n = 414/876, 95% CI = 43.92%–50.63%). A higher percentage of goats (50.87%, 95% CI = 45.99%–55.73%) were seropositive for anti‐VP7 immunoglobulins (IgG) than sheep (44.21%, 95% CI = 39.81%–48.70%). Odds ratios of seroconversion for goats were associated with breed type (χ2 = 16.84, p = .01), parity (χ2 = 23.66, p = .00) and presence of vector (χ2 = 2.63, p = .10), whereas for sheep, it was associated with breed type (χ2 = 13.80, p = .01) and parity (χ2 = 53.40, p = .00). Serotype 8 was the most prevalent (26.82%, 95% CI = 14.75%–43.21%) followed by an equal prevalence of serotypes 2 and 9 (7.31%, 95% CI = 1.91%–21.01%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Balochistan province and the results indicate that there is a necessity to initiate intervention strategies to control BT disease burden not only in this region of Pakistan but also in adjacent areas of the neighbouring countries, Iran and Afghanistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyalomma (Euhyalomma) schulzei Olenev, 1931 is recorded and re-described for the first time from Balochistan, Pakistan in detail with special reference to its capitulum, basis capituli, hypostome, palpi, scutum, genital aperture, adanal and plates subanal plates, anus and festoons. Taxonomic structures, which has been not discussed and illustrated before are depicted in this paper as an additional information to facilitate zoologists and veterinarians for the correct identification of female and male of this tick species. A key has been erected to Acari families and included genera highlighting their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]