Cattle producers should be aware of Anaplasmosis in our area

Neil Cates, Livestock Agent

Cattle producers should be aware of Anaplasmosis in our area:

There have been numerous cases of anaplasmosis in our area detected the past couple of weeks.  This disease, which appears most often in the fall months can be devastating if not treated properly and timely.   Anaplasmosis is of particular concern because it is relatively new to our area.  It was once thought of as more of a warm, tropical area disease but, has made its way north and west over the years.

Anaplasmosis is a parasitic organism that is transmitted through blood transfer by biting insects and ticks, and surgical instruments such as needles.  The death of the animal is due to the destruction of the red blood cells in the spleen of the host.  The anaplasmosis infection within the red blood cell causes the host to recognize these cells as “foreign” and therefore develops an immune response against them.  These cells are removed from circulation by the spleen causing severe anemia. 

Anaplasmosis affects almost exclusively adult cattle, not calves.   The most frequent observation is sudden death, even though it takes a few days from the time signs first appear until death occurs.  This makes it important to watch your herds closely.  Early symptoms include white skin that appears yellow and the whites of their eyes will also appear yellow.  One of the apparent signs is aggressiveness of the cow.  They can become very anxious and “chargy” once they reach the severe anemic stage. 

Treatment with a long-acting oxytetracycline (LA-200 type products) will usually stop further death losses within a week following treatment.  However, caution must be taken.  Exertion caused by taking cattle to or working them through the chute may be enough to kill more severely affected animals. 

Start checking your pastures more frequently to be on the look-out for this disease.  Random deaths of mature cows should raise red flags with you for this disease.   Most importantly, if you experience a death, or abnormal behavior or sickness in your cows, contact your local veterinarian.  The sooner you take action the better off you will be.  Work with your veterinarian for treatment and on preventative action for the future.