Traditional versus molecular based detection of a rare occurrence of babesiosis in Gir calf and its therapeutic management.

A 30-day old Gir calf was brought to Veterinary Polyclinic with symptoms of high fever, dullness, dyspnea, pale mucus membrane and haemoglobinuria. Blood sample was collected and microscopic examination of thin blood smear confirmed the case of acute babesiosis. It was further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction that amplified an approximately 410 bp portion of the ssu-rDNA of Babesia spp. The calf was managed with diminazene aceturate @5 mg/kg (Berenil) intramuscularly followed by supportive therapy including intravenous infusions. The present study reports a rare case of bovine babesiosis, its clinical variants, diagnosis, hematology and therapeutic management.