Bovine Babesiosis in the last decade: Global Perspective using Climate Data

Background: Bovine babesiosis, primarily caused by the protozoan parasites of the Babesia genus, is a tick-borne disease of major veterinary and economic importance. Its prevalence is influenced by climatic factors, particularly temperature and humidity, which affect tick vector dynamics.
Objective: This study investigates global trends in bovine babesiosis from 2005 to 2024 and explores associations with climate variables, including land surface air temperature and atmospheric methane concentrations.
Methods: Data were obtained from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and climate datasets from the Meteorological (MET) Office, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted using Python to assess disease trends and their relationship with environmental factors.
Results: A global decline in bovine babesiosis cases was observed, from 58,700 in 2006 to 25,500 in 2024. Africa and Asia reported the highest burdens, with Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka leading. Strong negative correlations were found between methane concentrations and disease metrics (cases, outbreaks, deaths), and weaker but significant negative correlations with temperature anomalies. Tropical regions exhibited higher case numbers, while temperate regions showed greater sensitivity to climate fluctuations.
Conclusion: The findings suggest complex interactions between climate change and bovine babesiosis epidemiology. A One Health approach is essential to address the interconnected challenges of animal health, environmental change, and zoonotic risks. Proactive, climate-informed interventions are needed to mitigate the disease’s impact on livestock productivity and global food security.