Prevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia infection in water buffaloes in the Nile Delta, Egypt.

Babesiosis is a major tick-borne disease causing significant economic losses in livestock, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in water buffaloes and to identify associated risk factors. A total of 400 examined buffaloes were screened using PCR assay and epidemiological data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of babesiosis was 16%. Sex and locality showed no significant association with infection (P > 0.05). In contrast, age and season significantly influenced prevalence, with higher infection rates observed in buffaloes older than 4 years (29.17%) and during the summer season (28.83%). Buffaloes in contact with cattle, those infested with ticks, and animals not receiving acaricide treatment exhibited significantly higher prevalence rates. Multivariable analysis identified age (>4 years; OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.8-12.7), summer season (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 2.4-16.7), contact with cattle (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.4-10.1), tick infestation (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4), and absence of acaricide application (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4-5.7) as significant predictors of infection (P < 0.05). The findings highlight the important role of tick infestation, mixed-species rearing, and inadequate tick control in the epidemiology of babesiosis in water buffaloes. Implementation of integrated tick control strategies and improved management practices is essential to reduce the burden of babesiosis in endemic areas.