A. Anaplasmosis

· Anaplasmosis Is Caused By A Small Type Of Bacteria Called Rickettsia.

· Anaplasmosis Can Also Be Spread By Blood Contaminated Needles Or Ai Gloves.

· Calves Are More Resistant To Anaplasmosis Than Older Cattle.

· Carriers Exist In Endemic Areas Which Act As Reservoirs Of Infection.

· Chronically Infected Cattle May Relapse In Adulthood.

· Fever, Fall In Milk Production, Progressive Anaemia, Jaundice, Abortion Are The Common Symptoms.

· In Later Stages, Inappetence, Incoordinate Movements, Breathlessness When Exerted, And A Rapid Pounding Pulse Are Usually Seen And Animals May Succumb.

· The Disease Is Curable If Treated Promptly In Early Stages.

B. Babesiosis

· Babesiosis Is Caused By A Type Of Microbe Called Protozoa.

· Fever, Inappetence, Increased Respiratory Rate, Sharp Decrease In Milk Production, Muscle Tremors, Anaemia, Jaundice, Abortion, Constipation Or Diarrhoea Are The Common Symptoms.

· Curable If Treated Promptly.

· In Later Stages, Loss Of Weight With Hemoglobinuria Is Seen. Nervous Symptoms May Also Be Seen.

· It Is Better To Repeat Treatment If Colour Of Urine Does Return To Normal By 24 Hours After Treatment.

· Babesiosis Is Not To Be Confused With “Red Water Disease” Which Is An Acute Highly Fatal Bacterial Disease Seen Especially In Areas With Liver Fluke Infestation.

C. Trypanosomiasis (Surra)

· An Important Disease Of Cattle And Buffalo Caused By Protozoa.

· Transmitted Mechanically By Biting Flies.

· Cattle And Buffalo Also Are Reservoir Hosts To Horses And Camels.

· Blood From Infected Animal, Occasionally Meat And Milk Are The Sources Of Infection.

· There Is Severe Loss Of Productivity Due To Anaemia. Animals Under Stress Are More Susceptible To The Disease.

Symptoms

· Progressive Anaemia, Weight Loss And Weakness.

· Abortions, Infertility And Stillbirth May Occur In Buffaloes.

· Cattle May Have A Chronic Course With High Mortality And May Last Up To 2 Years.

· Death May Occur In 2 Weeks To 2 Months.

· Oedematous Swellings Of The Lower Parts Of The Body (Legs, Briskets And Abdomen) May Be Seen.

· Lymph Nodes Also May Be Swollen.

· Nervous Signs Like Head Tilt, Circling, Blindness, Hyper-Excitability, Paddling Movements May Also Be Seen.

Prevention

· Control Fly Population (See Chapter On Fly Control).

· Sufficient Ventilation And Sunlight Should Be Available In The Shed.

· Insecticide Applications May Be Done In The Shed And Surrounding Areas Under Advice Of A Veterinarian.

Treatment

· Call The Veterinarian Immediately On Seeing The Symptoms For Treatment.

· Timely And Early Treatment Ensures A High Cure Rate.