Farm Animals

Cattle Anaplasmosis Management Welfare

Bovine anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale is a tick-transmitted disease causing severe haemolytic anaemia and death in affected cattle, with particular impact in tropical regions.

Key Facts

Anaplasmosis causes destruction of red blood cells leading to severe anaemia
Clinical signs include fever, anaemia, jaundice, and rapid deterioration
Adult cattle are more severely affected than calves that develop immunity
Tetracycline treatment is effective if initiated early in disease progression
Tick control and strategic antibiotic treatment reduce anaplasmosis incidence

Welfare Considerations

Anaplasmosis causes acute suffering from severe anaemia. Early veterinary treatment dramatically improves outcomes, making surveillance and rapid response essential welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Implement tick control programmes to reduce anaplasmosis exposure
Monitor cattle closely in tick-endemic areas for early fever and anaemia signs
Seek immediate veterinary treatment for suspected anaplasmosis cases
Support veterinary capacity building in areas with high tick-borne disease burden