Theileria Losses Eligible For LIP

By Scout Nelson

Cattle deaths caused by Theileria orientalis may qualify for financial assistance under the United States Department of Agriculture Livestock Indemnity Program, commonly known as LIP. While only limited cases have been reported in Kansas, livestock owners who experience losses from this disease may be eligible to receive compensation.

The Livestock Indemnity Program provides payments to livestock owners when animal deaths exceed normal mortality levels. Eligible causes include specific weather events, predator attacks, and approved diseases.

Since Theileria orientalis is a vector-borne disease spread mainly by the Asian longhorned tick, and there is currently no effective vaccine or control method, the USDA has listed it as an eligible cause of loss under LIP.

To qualify for payments, livestock owners must provide proper documentation. Required records include veterinary or necropsy reports confirming Theileria orientalis, herd inventory records showing the number and type of cattle before and after the outbreak, and mortality records indicating when and how many animals were lost. Proof of ownership is also required and may be provided through calving, purchase, or production records.

Applications must be submitted through the local Farm Service Agency office. For losses that occurred during the 2025 production year, the deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.

Payments are issued only for deaths that exceed the normal mortality rate for each class of livestock. The payment amount is based on 75 percent of the USDA-determined fair market value for each livestock category.

For 2025, the established payment rates are $1,810.09 per adult beef cow, $2,353.12 per adult bull, and $1,133.82 for non-adult cattle weighing between 400 and 799 pounds.

The Livestock Indemnity Program plays an important role in helping livestock operations recover from unexpected disease losses. By offering financial support, the program helps protect agricultural stability and supports continued livestock production during difficult conditions.

Livestock owners are encouraged to review their records carefully and contact their local Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible to begin the application process.

Photo Credit: kansas-livestock-foundation