First molecular detection of Theileria capreoli and Theileria cervi in Haemaphysalis longicornis from New Zealand.

The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, 1901 is a vector of important medical and veterinary pathogens. In New Zealand, it primarily affects livestock, with impacts on animal health and economic productivity, and to date it has been reported only as a vector of Theileria orientalis, which can cause theileriosis in cattle. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence of piroplasmids in convenience samples of H. longicornis collected from farmed livestock (cattle, sheep, deer, and horses) across different regions of New Zealand's North Island. A total of 457 ticks were analysed for piroplasmids by PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene; only Theileria spp. were detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed members of the Theileria orientalis complex and showed, for the first time in New Zealand, the presence of Theileria capreoli and Theileria cervi. Further studies are required to determine the significance of the presence of T. capreoli and T. cervi in New Zealand and to assess the vector competence of H. longicornis for these parasites. Nevertheless, these findings highlight the importance of research on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in New Zealand.