Temporal and spatial patterns of theileriosis in Zimbabwe: 2000-2014

Abstract

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the temporal and spatial patterns of theileriosis in Zimbabwe and the factors that may influence these patterns. Data were obtained from the Department of Field Veterinary Services (DFVS) theileriosis database covering the period from January 2000 to December 2014. Temporal patterns were analysed through examining the monthly, yearly, and seasonal patterns. The spatial spread of theileriosis and its main vector over the study period was done by projecting the georeferenced records of cases and the tick vector into a Geographical Information System. The chi-square (X2) test for association and odds ratios (OR) at 95% confidence level was used to evaluate the association between theileriosis cases and seasons. The month of January recorded most cases, and the rainy season also accounted for the majority of cases (64%), with the hot-dry season recording the lowest number of cases (1%). The rainy season was also significantly associated with the occurrence of theileriosis (X2 =70.44, P<0.005). The communal areas recorded the highest number of cases (31%), whilst the resettlement areas had the lowest reported cases (10%), though the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Evidence from this study suggest theileriosis is spreading to most parts of the country thus improved availability of acaricides to enable more regular dipping of cattle to control the tick is recommended.

Keywords: theileriosis, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, temporal, spatial