To investigate the primary blood protozoal pathogens affecting beef cattle in Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang, this study collected a total of 282 anticoagulant blood samples from sick cattle, along with 14 eye and nose swabs, 8 tissue samples, and 12 fecal samples, utilizing mNGS metagenomic sequencing technology and the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for protozoa detection in cattle blood. The results indicated that the predominant pathogens identified were Babesia bigemina and Theileria. Specifically, the detection of bovine annular theileriosis yielded a positive detection rate of 51.5% (270 cases), while Babesia bovis had a positive detection rate of 65.6% (184 cases); notably, Babesia bovis was not detected within the jurisdiction. PCR verification was conducted on 14 anticoagulated blood samples, yielding consistent results. Based on these findings, a drug prevention and treatment regimen involving triazamidine and imidazole was implemented, demonstrating significant efficacy. This study provides valuable foundational data for the formulation of effective comprehensive prevention and control measures against blood protozoa in beef cattle within Changji Prefecture. |