Babesiosis attacks cattle, causing high temperatures, constipation alternating with diarrhoea, weight loss, a decrease in milk productivity and quality, abortions, and about 40% mortality. Other animals are also affected, but with less economic effect. The disease is spread by pasture ticks. Immunization can be broken down in the event of stress, such as an attack of rinderpest. Babesiosis can also affect humans, but death rarely ensues.
Babesiosis is widespread wherever pasture ticks are found: mainly in Europe, Middle Asia, and Africa.