First molecular detection of Babesia bigemina in horseflies from Uruguay.

ABSTRACT.- Bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis are primarily transmitted by the biological vector Rhipicephalus microplus. However, Anaplasma marginale may also be mechanically transmitted through the bites of haematophagous flies such as tabanids. While biological transmission by ticks is the predominant route for Babesia species, some reports suggest that mechanical transmission via fomites contaminated with merozoites may occur. Additionally, mechanical vectors such as tabanids may contribute to the spread of the disease.