Molecular detection of Anaplasma species in blood and ticks from wild ruminants in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Abstract Tick-borne pathogens pose significant threats to wildlife health and may serve as sources of zoonotic infections. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma spp., particularly Anaplasma ovis, in blood and tick samples from wild goats (Capra hircus aegagrus) and Caspian red deer (Cervus elaphus maral) in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. A total number of 135 ticks and 59 blood samples were collected from live-captured and deceased animals. Molecular detection was initially performed using PCR to identify the genus Anaplasma. Subsequently, gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted to determine the species Anaplasma. Positive blood samples were examined microscopically with Giemsa-stained smears. Key findings: In ticks from wild goats, A. ovis positivity was 6.52% and Anaplasma spp. 9.78%; corresponding rates in ticks from red deer were 4.65% and 6.98%. Blood samples were positive for A. ovis only in wild goats (11.11% prevalence), with all red deer blood samples negative. Anaplasma ovis DNA was detected in blood from one deceased wild goat, but this does not imply causality with mortality, given the typically mild nature of infections. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed strain identities and relationships with known sequences. These descriptive results revealed apparently higher detection rates in wild goats compared to red deer, suggesting species-specific differences in exposure or susceptibility. This study highlighted the role of wild goats as potential reservoirs of A. ovis in the region. This study highlighted the need for systematic surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in Iranian wildlife populations.