Rise in Theileria Cases Warrants Vet Help

NEW ZEALAND – Cattle farmers are being encouraged to approach their veterinarians when suspected Theileria cases appear.
calendar icon 5 September 2014
clock icon 1 minute read

The advice follows Ministry of Primary Industries data showing more cases as spring progresses.

Theileria, which causes anaemia in cows and is spread by ticks, affects cattle and is not a human or food safety issue. Signs of Theileria include lethargy, low appetite and reduced milk production.

Dr Jenny Weston, President of the NZVA Society of Dairy Cattle Veterinarians, says that vets play a key role in working collaboratively with farmers to provide advice, taking both a preventive and proactive approach to minimise the disease.

“This includes knowing the risks for cattle, putting in place measures such as strategic tick control and managing movement of animals to reduce risk, and having a plan for early identification and management of affected animals.”

“We urge farmers to remain vigilant, and to speak to their local vet if they have any concerns about their cattle,” said Dr Weston.

“Vets are on high alert and able to help monitor the situation for their farmer clients to identify infection early and put in place the best management practices currently available.”

 

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