Introduction
This online CPD course has been designed to provide easy access to up-to-date scientific information on bovine babesiosis. The course has been developed by internationally recognized scientists, Dr IPJ Rolls and Dr PD Carter, Tick Fever Centre, Wacol, Queensland, Australia. In this course the differences in the epidemiology, clinical disease and control/therapy of bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis are discussed. The pros and cons of different diagnostic techniques and therapeutics are pointed out.
Who Should Enrol
Veterinary, para-veterinary and allied animal and human health professionals and students.
Course Design
Online CPD course
Course Content
Module 1 Introduction: Babesioses (read text)
Module 2 Bovine babesiosis: Introduction, Aetiology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical signs, Pathology, Diagnosis, Differential Diagnosis and Control (2 CPD points)
Course Highlights
Bovine babesiosis in Africa is commonly caused by the intra-erythrocytic, tick-transmitted protozoan parasites Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis, which generally affect cattle of all breeds. In southern Africa, the transmission of bovine babesiosis occurs biologically, by the ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus.
Both parasites cause disease in cattle, which may be either acute or chronic, with mortalities of up to 20 percent among cattle. Animals that recover often remain persistently infected carriers that act as reservoirs for the spread of these protozoal pathogens by competent tick vectors. Intrauterine infections of unborn calves may result in abortion or the birth of infected calves.
The learner will be able to study and complete the course material and online test at his/her own pace.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course the learner will have a sound knowledge of bovine babesiosis and will be able to:
- understand and discuss the most important features of the aetiology/life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and control of bovine babesiosis.
- point out the differences and similarities in the epidemiology, clinical disease, and control/therapy of bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis.
- understand the role of different ticks in the transmission of the two parasites.
- discuss how best infections caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis can be diagnosed and differentiated from each other.
- understand the pros and cons of different diagnostic tests that are available to confirm a diagnosis of bovine babesiosis
- understand the pros and cons of different available therapeutics.
- understand the best strategies available to control bovine babesiosis.
Assessment
Some of the modules will have a multiple-choice test, while others are read for background information
Accreditation
South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
2 CPD Points (Module 2)
AC/0430/20
Certification
In order to qualify for CPD points, the learner will be required to complete the course and pass the multiple-choice test with 80%.
