Theileriosis is the name given to infections caused by several species of Theileria, the most important of which in Africa are Theileria annulata and Theileria parva. Their distributions in the continent are distinct, and follow that of their main field tick vectors. The annulata occurs in North Africa and the Nile River Valley, and the parva in sub-Saharan eastern, central, and southern Africa. This book reviews the work on theileriosis since 1902 from an historical, biological, ecological, epidemiological, and economic point of view. The results shed new light on poorly understood areas in theileriosis and at the same time assist with the development of more robust control strategies. Focuses on a tick borne parasite that threatens twenty-five million cattle in Central and East Africa Assembles all current data on the epidemiology of theileriosis in Africa Lays the groundwork for future studies

Approximately five years have elapsed since the Conference on "Tick-borne Diseases and their Vectors" (Wilde, 1978, University of Edinburgh) was held at the Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh. Theileriosis was one of the main topics at that Conference and some 20 scientific presentations were given. Also in the same year a Workshop on "Theileriosis" was held at the Kenyatta Conference Centre in Nairobi (Henson & Campbell, 1977, IDRC, Ottawa). Both of these meetings provided a valuable up dating of theilerial diseases, and the Proceedings have been a constant source of reference for scientists in the ensuing years. The meetings played a significant role in setting the scene for a number of important advances which have been made since then. In February of this year, attention was focused on these advances when nearly 200 scientists from over 30 countries were assembled at the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases in Nairobi for the international conference on "Advances in the Control of Theileriosis". The interest and concern shown in this subject has now grown to the extent that more than 70 scientific presentations were given over the course of a very busy week. An important facet of the Conference was the attention given to the control of Theileriosis, since this must be the ultimate aim of all those involved with the disease. Control will be difficult.

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT), also called nagana, is a trans-boundary disease that has had an immense impact on cattle and is ranked among the top global cattle diseases. This and tick-borne diseases have caused major obstacles to sustainable livestock-based agricultural production and food security and are important factors in underdevelopment. Due to decreasing efficacy of available drugs, widespread trypanosome resistance, and the difficulty of sustaining other control measures, there is a need for alternative sustainable strategies to reduce the impact these diseases have on livestock. Combating and Controlling Nagana and Tick-Borne Diseases in Livestock provides the latest empirical research findings on the effects of African animal trypanosomiasis (nagana) and tick-borne disease infection in livestock, their impact on farmer livelihoods, and the measures that can be undertaken to mitigate negative effects and reduce the number of infections. While highlighting topic areas such as disease history and transmission, treatments, and the economic impacts, this book is essential for farmers, animal health and animal production professionals and practitioners, non-government organizations, researchers, academicians, and students working in fields that include but are not limited to agriculture, livestock production, environmental science, veterinary medicine, veterinary pathology, and epidemiology.

The deadly nature of the Theileria parasite and the exquisite cunning, displayed when survival strategies are called for, inspire both awe and fascination, if not admiration, among field and laboratory scientists. Its negative impact on livestock production with resulting economical losses, however, undoubtedly affects the quality of human life. This book will provide detailed insight into the state-of-the art research, ongoing in different laboratories, aimed at unravelling the intricacies and molecular basis of the parasite as well as host-parasite interactions, that govern the immune responses and pathogenesis of Theileriosis. Theileria, volume three of "World Class Parasites", is written for researchers, students and scholars who enjoy reading research that has a major impact on human health, or agricultural productivity, and against which we have no satisfactory defense. It is intended to supplement more formal texts that cover taxonomy, life cycles, morphology, vector distribution, symptoms and treatment. It integrates vector, pathogen and host biology and celebrates the diversity of approach that comprises modern parasitological research.

Most of the future increase in livestock production is expected to occur in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Cattle are the most numerous of the ruminant species in the tropics and provide the largest quantity of animal food products. More than one-third of the world's cattle are found in the tropics. Disease is the major factor which prohibits full utilization of these regions for cattle production. Various infectious and transmissible viral, rick ettsial, bacterial, and particularly protozoan and helminthic diseases, are widespread in the tropics and exert a heavy toll on the existing cattle industry there. This uncontrolled disease situation also discourages investment in cattle industries by private and government sectors. In Africa alone, it is estimated that 125 million head of cattle could be accommodated in the tropical rainbelt if the disease and other animal husbandry factors could be resolved. The potential of efficient cattle production under more favorable conditions prompted various international agencies to establish a multi million dollar International Laboratory for Research in Animal Diseases (ILRAD) in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa. In South America, principal sites for raising cattle are shifting to the savannah lands because the more fertile soils are being used for crop produc tion, however, in the savannahs also, disease remains the most powerful deterrent in implementing the cattle industry.

Highly illustrated and definitive reference work for the identification and biology of ticks.