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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The '''piroplasms'' are a group of blood-bourne protozoa which are transmitted by [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]]. The two species most of veterinary importance are ''Babesia'', ''Cytauxzoon'' and ''Theileria''.
The '''piroplasms''' are a group of blood-bourne protozoa which are transmitted by [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]]. The two species most of veterinary importance are ''Babesia'', ''Cytauxzoon'' and ''Theileria''.
Piroplasms are apicomplexan protozoa which inhabit [[Erythrocytes - WikiBlood|erythrocytes]], and sometimes other cells of vertebrates, but do not form pigment from haemoglobin. All piroplasms are small and round or pear-shaped (erythrocyte forms) and are parasitic on fish, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Piroplasms are apicomplexan protozoa which inhabit [[Erythrocytes - WikiBlood|erythrocytes]], and sometimes other cells of vertebrates, but do not form pigment from haemoglobin. All piroplasms are small and round or pear-shaped (erythrocyte forms) and are parasitic on fish, amphibians, birds and mammals.
==''Babesia''==
==''Babesia''==
[[Image:Babesia Life Cycle.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Babesia Life Cycle Diagram - Dennis Jacobs & Mark Fox RVC]]
*Infects a wide range of host species in different areas of the world
*Babesiosis has severe effects on cattle production in parts of the world
**Prevents European breeds from being successful in tropical regions where [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|ticks]] are endemic.
**Occurs sporadically in the UK and Ireland causing losses of around £8 million per year
'''Life Cycle'''
*Both [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks#Disease Transmission|trans-stadial]] and [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks#Disease Transmission|trans-ovarian]] occurs
*Each female [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|tick]] produces 3000 eggs
*The [[Suborder: Metastigmata, ticks|tick]] is the definitive host
* May cause haemolysis and [[General Pathology - Pigmentation and Calcification#Haemoglobin|haemoglobin pigmentation]].
* May cause haemolysis and [[General Pathology - Pigmentation and Calcification#Haemoglobin|haemoglobin pigmentation]].
'''Epidemiology'''
==''Theileria''==
==''Theileria''==