AnaCorSR: characterisation and geographical distribution of anaplasmosis agents in small ruminants in Corsica

Anaplasmoses are diseases transmitted mainly by tick bites. Anaplasma, the bacterium responsible for these diseases, necessarily infects hematopoietic cells. Depending on the species and the infected host, Anaplasma can cause fevers, anorexia, abortions, and reduced production, which can lead to the death of the host. Decreased immunity associated with the presence of these bacteria predisposes infected animals to further parasitic or bacterial infections.

Objectives of the project

Five species of Anaplasma are responsible for anaplasmosis in small ruminants: A. ovis, A. capra, A. bovis, A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum. The aim of the project is to determine which species circulate in Corsica on domestic sheep and goats, their geographical distribution and co-infections by these species. 

Project Implementation

Sampling

The search for Anaplasma will be carried out on the basis of blood samples taken as part of the prophylaxis. As this is an exploratory study, approximately 600 animals (400 sheep and 200 goats) are included in the study for the whole of Corsica. The choice of farms is made on the basis of the geographical representativeness of the farms.

A sub-sample of 10 animals/farm will be selected from 60 farms. The animals will be selected on the basis of their age (> 2 years), recent abortions or poor general condition. The older the animal is, the more exposed it has been to the risk of tick bites and the higher the risk of infection.

Molecular analysis

A multiplex nested PCR is developed for this study to simultaneously amplify and detect all 5 species. The results will be verified by sequencing a portion of the samples.

Restitution of results to participants

At the end of the analyses, breeders and organisers will be informed by mail of the results of their own breeding and the results of the global study. Global information will also be sent to the veterinarians who participated.

Possible follow-up to the project 

The search for vectors could be undertaken in collaboration with the GDS Corse. For this purpose, farms identified in the first study will be selected for tick collection. The ticks will then be identified by UMR BIOEPAR, and vectorial competence can be studied.

Participants: 

Leaders: L. Malandrin (TiBoDi) - M. Gallois (GDS Corse: Groupement de Défense Sanitaire du Bétail).

R. De Cremoux (Idèle - Groupe de Travail “avortement des petits ruminants”).

S. Ferrandi - S. Grech-Angelini (GTV Corse: Groupement Technique Vétérinaire).

M. Riera - J.M. Santini (Les Laboratoires Cismonte et Pumonte de la Collectivité de Corse).

Period: 2020-2022

Restitution of results to participants