By Scout Nelson
Hikers often check for ticks to avoid illnesses like Lyme disease. Similarly, animals can also fall victim to tick-carried diseases, as highlighted by Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.
In a recent Cattle Chat podcast, veterinarian Brad White discussed anaplasmosis, a disease primarily transmitted by ticks to cattle in certain U.S. regions. “It's a blood-borne pathogen making cattle anemic, leading to abortions and sometimes death,” White noted.
According to veterinarian Brian Lubbers, older cows are more susceptible. They suffer most from anemia caused by the disease. White added that signs include cattle seeming depressed with lowered heads and unexpected abortions.
These abortions occur when cattle get so sick that maintaining pregnancy becomes impossible, White explained. Lubbers stressed the importance of testing cattle showing these signs. Blood samples can confirm anaplasmosis presence in various ways, such as checking for parasites on blood cells, examining parasite DNA, or searching for antibodies indicating disease exposure.
For treatment, tetracycline antibiotics are commonly used, Lubbers said. However, veterinarian Bob Larson highlighted that not all cattle are exposed to anaplasmosis-carrying ticks. He mentioned a geographic component, with disease intensity reducing over time in affected areas due to herd stabilization.
Larson added that disease cases peak in the Midwest during the fall. “September to November is when cattle show the most signs of the disease,” he said. This is usually a few weeks after the highest tick populations are observed.
White emphasized the importance of producers collaborating with local vets to prevent the spread of anaplasmosis, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and monitoring to ensure effective control.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erikkarits
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle