A new red blood cell parasite, Theileria orientalis Ikeda, linked to the Asian long-horned tick, has been identified in Kansas cattle. This parasite, first discovered in Virginia in 2017, poses significant health challenges for livestock, causing anemia, respiratory issues, and yellowing of mucous membranes due to reduced oxygen delivery in the bloodstream.
Key Details
- Transmission:
- While the Asian long-horned tick is the primary vector, the parasite can also spread through contaminated tools (e.g., needles, tattoo pliers, ear taggers) and possibly through flies and lice.
- Symptoms:
- Infected cattle may display jaundice, severe anemia, and respiratory distress. The condition is not treatable with modern antibiotics.
- Precautions:
- Livestock producers are advised to monitor for ticks and take preventive measures when introducing new cattle into herds.
Although the Asian long-horned tick has not been detected in Kansas, it has been found in nearby states, including Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Producers are urged to send unidentified ticks to diagnostic labs for testing to prevent the spread of this emerging threat.
