Theileria parva, the causative agent of January Disease, continues to threaten cattle production in Zimbabwe (FAO, 2023).

This study determined the prevalence of Theileria DNA in ticks collected from cattle and assessed associated risk factors

in Kwekwe, Gweru, and Mvuma districts of the Midlands Province. A total of 150 cattle were sampled once between

December 2024 and June 2025, and three to five ticks per animal were collected from preferred attachment sites. No

blood samples were collected. Conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed on tick-derived DNA, and

a subset of positive samples underwent Sanger sequencing. Farmer and herder interviews (n=390) explored dipping

practices, acaricide use, and knowledge of theileriosis. The overall prevalence of Theileria-positive ticks was 68.4%.

Infection was associated with high tick burdens, exotic breeds, irregular dipping, and low farmer knowledge scores.

Sequencing confirmed ≥99% identity with T. parva reference sequences. Seasonal modelling using ARIMA revealed

infection peaks during the rainy season. These findings highlight the need for stronger acaricide supply systems, molecular

surveillance, and farmer training at the wildlife–livestock interface of Midlands Province.

Keywords: Theileria parva, epidemiology, Midlands Province, risk factors, cattle, Zimbabwe