Often forgotten anaplasmosis is now in 48 states. It is a bacterial pathogen that lives within the red blood cells of cattle and is spread by Dermacentor species ticks, the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Cattle who survive the first round of infection become persistent carriers and therefore a reservoir for additional infections.
Source: BEEF, April 6, 2020. Link. Infected animals will likely be culled because they’ll have a greater potential for reproductive problems over time. Control is possible with aggressive testing, tick control and managing biosecurity with equipment and supplies. No vaccine is commercially available.
INSIGHTS: Anaplaz is well-suited to discussion in video conferences. Beef producers will appreciate being taught how to watch closely, manage carefully and use veterinary services to reduce the inevitable cost of a persistently infected herd.