Expanding the molecular understanding of Theileria infections in cattle and yaks from Gansu and Qinghai, China.

Piroplasmosis is a major tick-borne disease that causes significant economic losses in livestock production across various regions. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of bovine piroplasmosis in Gansu and Qinghai provinces, China, offering crucial baseline data for the development of effective control and prevention strategies. A total of 736 bovine blood samples were collected from Tianshui, Pingliang, and Lanzhou in Gansu, and Xining and Haidong in Qinghai. These samples were analyzed using PCR with universal Piroplasma primers targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of bovine Piroplasma infection was found to be 25.54% (188/736). Three Theileria species were identified, including T. orientalis (14.27%, 105/736), T. annulata (10.73%, 79/736), and T. sinensis (0.54%, 4/736). No cases of Babesia or mixed infections were detected in this study. Notably, T. sinensis was reported for the first time in Pingliang, highlighting its potential expansion in the region. In conclusion, bovine piroplasmosis remains prevalent in both Gansu and Qinghai provinces, with T. orientalis being the predominant species. These findings underscore the need for strengthened surveillance and improved strategies for the prevention and control of piroplasmosis in the region.