Molecular detection and characterisation of Theileria in hard ticks of small ruminants in Zarrin Dasht County, Southern Iran.

This is the first report on the presence of piroplasm infection in hard ticks of small ruminants in Zarrin Dasht County. Theileria ovis was more prevalent than Theileria lestoquardi but Babesia was absent. Piroplasm infection was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Hyalomma marginatum appears to be more competent to vector Theileria spp. This study may contribute to risk assessment and prevention of epizootic theileriosis in the County.