Molecular and serological detection of Babesia bovis- and Babesia bigemina- infection in bovines and water buffaloes raised jointly in an endemic field

•Highly sensitive nPCR assays against Babesia bovis and B. bigemina were developed.•Cattle displayed higher Babesia spp. infection rates than water buffaloes.•Buffaloes are better capable to limit and/or eliminate Babesia spp. infection.•An inter-relation between Babesia spp. infection of cattle and buffaloe was found.