Babesiosis

What is it?

Piroplasmosis, or babesiosis, is a parasitic blood disease caused by microorganisms called Babesia, which destroy red blood cells. It mainly affects dogs and cattle in Tunisia, especially during hot periods conducive to ticks. This disease can progress quickly and requires rapid veterinary attention.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

The disease is caused by single-celled parasites of the genus Babesia, which infect and destroy the animal's red blood cells. Different species of Babesia exist, some more dangerous depending on the animal species affected. These parasites multiply in the blood, causing progressive anemia.

Animals living in tick-infested areas or without regular anti-parasitic protection are at greater risk. Young animals, weakened or stressed individuals, as well as those living in rural areas or pastures are particularly at risk. Hot and humid seasons favor the proliferation of ticks and therefore disease.

Transmission

Transmission occurs mainly through the bite of infected ticks which inject the parasite into the animal's bloodstream. It can also occur, more rarely, by blood transfusion or from the mother to her young before birth. The disease cannot be transmitted directly from one animal to another without passing through a tick.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Prevention

References

MSD Veterinary Manual

ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 18 August 2026