Similar levels of diversity in the gene encoding the p67 sporozoite surface protein of Theileria parva are observed in blood samples from buffalo and cattle naturally infected from buffalo.

•p67 sequence analysis was used to compare diversity in Theileria parva populations from cattle and buffalo.•T. parva isolated from cattle show similar levels of diversity as those from buffalo.•The results suggest that any restriction of parasite population in cattle occurs after the early blood stage.