INCIDENCE OF CANINE BABESIOSIS IN AND AROUND KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

A total of 226 numbers of dogs (114 male and 112 female) in and around Kolkata were screened during November 2012 to July 2013 for Babesiosis and out of them 72 animals (31.86%) were found clinically and cytologically positive with higher incidence in female dogs (53.33%) than male (46.68%). Out of 72 positive samples 68 and 4 animals were found infected with small and large form of Babesia spp., respectively. The present study revealed that incidence of Babesiosis according to sex ratio (male: female) was 1: 1.4. Seasonal record indicated that incidence of Babesia was higher in the months of May and June (7.07%) and less in the month of January (0.44%).