Tickborne diseases

The ticks are mainly found in tall grass and on trees or shrubs and attach themselves to animals they come in contact with. Photo: ANP

ANAPLASMOSIS is a disease caused by the Anaplasma bacterium. This bacterium is found in the Ixodes tick in moderate climate regions. The ticks are mainly found in tall grass and on trees or shrubs and attach themselves to animals they come in contact with. A tick becomes active at a temperature of 8 degrees and usually nests itself in a warm place. Not every tick carries the Anaplasma bacterium. The bacterium is present in small rodents, sheep, cattle, horses and deer. The tick is the vector which transmits the bacteria from infected to non infected animals.

BABESIOSIS is triggered by an infection with Babesia divergens. Babesia is a protozoan or parasite that can be transmitted to cattle via an infected (ixodus) tick. The parasite invades the host’s red blood cell.

1 What does it cause?
2 How to diagnose it?
3 How to treat it?

Anaplasmosis

When a cow is bitten by an infected tick, the incubation period is usually between 5 to 14 days. In the case that a tick injects infected blood, the incubation period is shorter; 2 to 6 days. When a cow is infected with the Anaplasma bacteria, various symptoms can occur such as: fever, abortion and a decrease in production of both milk and meat. Respiratory problems can also occur. The Anaplasma bacterium settles in the white blood cells, so it can lower the immune response. Furthermore, the animal’s coat looks dull, breathing and heart rates are usually elevated, and there is a loss of appetite.

Babesiosis

If a cow is infected with Babesiosis, various symptoms can occur such as; high fever, rapid pulse and breathing, anaemia, jaundice, blood water, listlessness, lack of appetite and possible death. After a tick bite, the incubation period for Babesia divergens is usually 1 to 3 weeks.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasma is a bacterium that thrives in different types of white blood cells. Diagnosing an Anaplasmosis infection can be done by means of a microscopic analysis of the blood.

Babesiosis

Babesia is a parasite that thrives in several types of red blood cells. Diagnosis of an infection with Babesia can be done by means of a microscopic analysis of the blood. The test checks to see if the bacterium is present in the red blood cells. A serological test is also possible. Antibodies against Babesia are detectable only 7 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms. The standard serological test for Babesia is the immunofluorescence test.

Anaplasmosis

An Anaplasmosis infection is usually treated with antibiotics, but studies have yet to prove if the treatment fully eliminates the infection. Always consult your vet. Reducing the chance of an infection is your best bet. Avoiding high risk grazing areas is key.

Babesiosis

There are products that reduce tick infestation, but no sufficiently effective registered products for treating cattle against ticks are available. It is best to avoid tick infestation by fencing off high risk areas of the pasture; ie near brushes and rugged areas. In addition, the presence of ticks on the animal can be monitored alertly.

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