International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 227-234 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 227 Review Article Open Access Infectious Diseases in Water Buffalo: A Review of Current Control Strategies Xian Li, Yanlin Wang, Jia Chen Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding author: jia.chen@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2024.14.0026 Received: 03 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 05 Dec., 2024 Published: 16 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li X., Wang Y.L., and Chen J., 2024, Infectious diseases in water buffalo: a review of current control strategies, International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 14(6): 227-234 (doi: 10.5376/ijmvr.2024.14.0026) Abstract Water buffaloes play a crucial role in global agriculture and dairy production, but infectious diseases pose significant challenges to their health, productivity, and farmers' livelihoods. This study summarizes the current status of control strategies for major infectious diseases affecting water buffaloes, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections such as brucellosis, foot-and-mouth disease, and liver fluke disease. It explores existing measures such as vaccination, antimicrobial therapy, and biosafety practices, while emphasizing limitations such as antibiotic resistance and inadequate veterinary infrastructure. Taking a study in South Asia as an example, it illustrates the impact of regional control strategies, including vaccination campaigns and community led initiatives, in reducing disease prevalence and strengthening farmer practices. This study aims to emphasize the advancement of diagnostic technology, disease resistant gene breeding, and international cooperation in formulating comprehensive policies that require comprehensive and sustainable strategies to improve the health, productivity, and ecological contribution of water buffaloes. Keywords Water buffalo; Infectious diseases; Disease control; Zoonotic risks; Vaccination 1 Introduction Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are vital to the agricultural economies of many countries, particularly in Asia and South America. However, they are susceptible to a range of infectious diseases that can significantly impact their health and productivity. Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, is a notable zoonotic parasitic disease where water buffaloes act as major reservoirs. Coccidiosis, caused by various Eimeria species, is another prevalent disease leading to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues (Dubey, 2018). Additionally, water buffaloes are hosts to Babesia bovis, a tick-borne parasite, which they often carry asymptomatically (Benítez et al., 2018). Other significant diseases include paratuberculosis, which has a high prevalence in certain regions, and Trypanosoma vivax, which can cause severe outbreaks under stressful conditions. Babesia orientalis, a recently identified species in China, also poses a threat to water buffalo health (He et al., 2017). Furthermore, infections by Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii have been linked to reproductive issues such as abortion and embryonic death (Ciuca et al., 2020). Addressing infectious diseases in water buffalo is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, these diseases can lead to significant economic losses due to decreased productivity, increased veterinary costs, and mortality (Galon et al., 2019). For instance, the high seroprevalence of paratuberculosis in Italian water buffaloes suggests a need for urgent control measures to prevent economic losses (Martucciello et al., 2021). Secondly, water buffaloes are often asymptomatic carriers of diseases like Babesia bovis and Trypanosoma vivax, which can complicate disease management and control efforts (Garcia et al., 2016). Thirdly, zoonotic diseases such as schistosomiasis pose a public health risk, making it imperative to control these infections in water buffaloes to protect human health (He et al., 2018). Lastly, reproductive diseases caused by pathogens like Neospora caninumand Toxoplasma gondii can severely impact herd fertility and productivity, necessitating targeted control strategies (Kengradomkij et al., 2015).
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