Babesiosis in Dairy Cattle: Constraints Perceived by Dairy Farmers

Abstract

The study was conducted in Tamil Nadu during 2025-2026 to identify the constraints perceived by dairy farmers in managing babesiosis and to determine the factors influencing the intensity of these constraints. A combination of purposive and multistage random sampling techniques was used to select six districts across different agro-climatic zones. Primary data were collected through in-person interviews with 120 dairy farmers whose animals were affected by babesiosis, covering 24 villages in 12 blocks. Babesiosis was identified based on clinical signs and peripheral blood smear examination. Perceived constraints were measured using a five-point Likert scale and ranked using constraint scores. Lack of awareness about the economic losses caused by tick infestation emerged as the most important constraint, followed by reduced milk yield, lack of timely veterinary services, late disease diagnosis and difficulties in vector control. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that education, dairy farming experience, herd size, acaricide application frequency, deworming frequency, vaccination status and awareness about haemoprotozoan diseases reduced the intensity of perceived constraints, whereas age increased the constraint score. The findings indicate that knowledge gaps, production losses and limitations in veterinary service access are central challenges in babesiosis management. Strengthening farmer education, timely veterinary support, preventive health practices and tick control may help reduce the constraints associated with babesiosis in dairy production systems.