Detection and genetic characterization indicates circulation of a possible new Theileria species (Theileria sp. Yokoyama) in India

Bovine tropical theileriosis, a tick-borne disease, causes huge economic loss to the Indian dairy industry. Theileriosis in India is mainly caused by Theileria annulata, although the presence of T. orientalis has also been reported. The present study was undertaken to investigate the deaths of cross-bred Holstein Friesen (CBHF) cows on a farm in the state of Telangana, India. Deceased animals had recently calved and prior to death had developed high fever (107 °F) and anaemia. Infected cows were infested with ticks (Hyalomma species). Theileria piroplasms were noticed in the Giemsa stained blood smears. PCR assays further confirmed the presence of Theileria in the blood samples of the infected cows. Partial Tams1 gene sequences from the infected animals shared 99.87% to 100% identity scores with the sequences of Sri Lankan isolates recently proposed as a novel Theileria species (provisionally designated as Theileria sp. Yokoyama). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the novel species of Theileria from India. Infected animals were effectively treated with buparvaquone and oxytetracycline. The introduction of new animals into the farm without risk assessment was found to be a major cause of the outbreak.