Theleria found in Tennessee cattle

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Tennessee State veterinarian Samantha Beaty, DVM, announced that Theileria orientalis (Theileria) was detected within a herd of cattle in the state. Theileria is a tickborne parasite that affects the red and white blood cells and is primarily seen in cattle.¹

“The Asian Longhorned tick is a common vector for this illness,” said Beaty, in an organizational release,² “Although we have not yet confirmed the presence of ALT in Maury County, we know it’s already taken hold in several other Tennessee counties and will continue to spread. Cattle producers should take steps to protect their herds.”

According to the release,² the infected herd is in Maury County where the animals showed signs of illness, lethargy, and even death despite receiving veterinary attention and antibiotics. For producers, the state of Tennessee disclosed they can limit their risk by keeping herds out of wooded areas and keeping pastures mowed short, especially those near a wooded area.

The state also recommends that producers inspect their cattle regularly, use varying types of acaricides, use clean needles for injections, and notify their veterinarian if their cattle begin to show signs of lethargy or illness. Other clinical signs include pale gums, fever, anemia, and late-term abortions.¹

There is currently no vaccination to prevent or treat Theileria so once an animal is infected, they become a carrier for life. Currently, there is no known risk to human life from Theileria.

References

1. Theileria. Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Accessed July 11, 2022. https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/animals/animal-health/theileria.html
2. Disease affecting cattle detected in Tennessee. News release. Tennessee Department of Agriculture. July 7, 2022. Accessed July 11, 2022. https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/news/2022/7/7/disease-affecting-cattle-detected-in-tennessee.html