“Fly and tick control is important to reduce the spread of diseases that negatively impact cattle operation’s productivity,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Health problems in cattle such as Pinkeye, Theileria Orientalis (Ikeda), and Anaplasmosis are spread through flies and ticks. These health problems can negatively impact a cattle operation’s productivity and profitability therefore Davis will discuss management strategies to reduce these problems in your cattle operation.
“The main culprit bacteria that causes pinkeye is Moraxella Bovis,” says Davis. Face flies irritate the eye and transmit the bacteria causing Pinkeye. Once the animal gets Pinkeye that can affect their vision and influence their performance until their eyes heal. Davis encourages face fly control to reduce Pinkeye incidence.
“Anaplasmosis is caused by red blood cells being infected by the blood parasite Anaplasma. A. Marginale,” says Davis. The infection causes an immune response, destroys red blood cells, and leads to anemia in cattle. Anaplasmosis can negatively impact cattle operation performance due to abortions, decreased weight gain, bull infertility and animal death. To reduce herd Anaplasmosis, Davis encourages cattle producers to reduce modes of transmission, which include ticks, flies, and mechanical vectors.
“Theileria Orientalis (Ikeda) is a protozoal organism that is negatively impacting cattle production in Missouri,” says Davis. This organism infects the animal’s red bloods cells, and the immune system attacks the infected cells causing anemia. The symptoms can be mild with an elevated temperature, depression and pale mucous membranes. More severe cases cause severe depression and jaundice of mucous membranes and vulva. Other symptoms include abortion and loss of body condition, both of which can negatively impact cattle operation productivity and profitability. Even though most cattle never show symptoms and typical death loss rate is less than 5%, some farms may experience much higher rates of illness and death loss than literature has reported. The main vector of this of this illness in the Asian Longhorn Tick, however it affects red blood cells so it can also be spread by other ticks, flies and mechanical vectors. Therefore, Davis encourages cattle producers to reduce the modes of transmission mentioned.
“Consult a veterinarian to have a prevention and treatment plan to help reduce these health issues and minimize effects to your operation” says Davis. Below Davis will discuss some things to consider when developing this plan with your veterinarian.
- Preventative vaccinations and injectable/pour-on treatment products. Vaccines are available or can be developed with veterinarian help to reduce Pinkeye issues. There are also injectable products that can help reduce external parasites which cause these problems so consult a veterinarian and use based on approval.
- Feed additives. There are many feed products that help in control of external parasites and dealing with the symptoms of some of these health problems. Consult your veterinarian and use additives as prescribed.
- Fly and tick control. Control methods include backrubbers, dust bags, insecticide tags and strips, sprays, and insecticides. Pick the best one that fits your operation to control flies and ticks.
- Reducing mechanical vector transmission. Since Anaplasmosis and Theileria Orientalis (Ikeda) affect red blood cells they can be transmitted through needles and other equipment while cattle are being vaccinated and processed. Consult your veterinarian and implement a plan to reduce transmission through this equipment.
“These health issues mentioned above can be detrimental to a cattle operations bottom line especially if you lose animals,” says Davis. Consider the article and consult your veterinarian to implement a plan that will make your operation successful in reducing the incidence of these health concerns. If you have questions, please consult your local MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist.
