<b>Retrospective epidemiological assessment of bovine theileriosis in Gaza Province, Southern Mozambique</b>

Background: Tick-borne diseases represent one of the main challenges for livestock production in several countries and are directly related to significant economic losses in the livestock sector. These diseases compromise productivity and limit the full development of the activity, resulting in reduced growth rates, fertility problems, increased abortions, decreased meat and milk production, and increased herd mortality. Aim: This study aimed to assess the epidemiological pattern of Bovine Theileriosis (BT) in Gaza province between 2016 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, using data from the records of BT at the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Xai-Xai, Gaza Province, Mozambique. Meteorological data on temperature and precipitation were also obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology to better understand the occurrence patterns of Theileriosis. For data analysis, we used SPSS, version 23 and multiple linear regression to assess the degree of association between climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and the occurrence of BT cases. Results: A total of 343 cases were reported over the 9 years of analysis. The number of cases varied significantly across districts, with Limpopo having the highest number of cases (n = 122). The year 2018 had the highest number of cases (n = 158). The monthly distribution of Theileriosis showed a higher number of cases in March (n = 146) and May (n = 40). Multiple regression analysis revealed no statistically significant association between temperature and precipitation patterns and Theileriosis occurrence (p = 0.230), explaining only 1.9% of the total observed variance (adjusted R² = 0.0197). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in the country based on consultation of Theileriosis records, and it provides a basis for future planning. The study was limited by the absence of information regarding the age of the animals, sex, type of farming system, clinical manifestations that the animals presented at the time of sample collection, and clinical outcome, as well as the absence of information related to the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which was carried out in Maputo, the country’s capital. These gaps highlight the need for training to standardize and improve the documentation of Theileriosis cases in the province and country in general. Intensive and timely interventions, especially tick control, should be prioritized in the districts of Limpopo, Bilene, and Chibuto during the peak period from March to May. Similarly, animal health authorities in the region should make a concerted effort to strengthen the surveillance of Theileriosis, particularly in underserved districts due to their remote location in relation to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory.