en عمومى General پژوهشي Research <span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:120%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span lang="TR" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:120%"><span new="" roman="" style="font-family:" times="">This study assessed the prevalence of <i>Theileria</i> species in sheep from Kerman, Southeastern Iran, using semi-nested PCR. Fifty blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of sheep, prepared for microscopic examination, and stored at &minus;20 &deg;C for molecular analysis. Simultaneously, ticks were collected and identified. Molecular diagnostics detected <i>Theileria</i> DNA in 44% (22/50) of samples, all identified as <i>Theileria ovis</i>, compared to 20% prevalence detected by microscopy, demonstrating the superior sensitivity of molecular methods. The tick Hyalomma anatolicum was confirmed as the primary vector. The high prevalence of pathogenic <i>T. ovis</i> emphasizes the importance of molecular surveillance and targeted control strategies to reduce the impact of theileriosis on sheep health and productivity in the region.</span></span></span></span></span></span> Theileria, Sheep, Semi-nested PCR, Kerman, Iran 35 44 http://injvr.com/browse.php?a_code=A-10-74-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 R. Mahdavi ryhanhmhdwy7@gmail.com 10031947532846001406 10031947532846001406 No Department of veterinary medicine, Baft Branch Islamic Azad University, Baft, Iran A. Ahmadi Amin-ahmadi@ardakan.ac.ir 10031947532846001407 10031947532846001407 Yes Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, P.O. Box 184, Ardakan, Iran. M. Mazrouei Sebdani mohammadmazrouei93@gmail.com 10031947532846001408 10031947532846001408 No Department of veterinary medicine, Baft Branch Islamic Azad University, Baft, Iran B. KheirKhah Kherkhah@gmail.com 10031947532846001409 10031947532846001409 No Department of veterinary medicine, Baft Branch Islamic Azad University, Baft, Iran