New cattle vaccine offers protection against costly tick borne disease
A new vaccine designed to help protect cattle from Theileria orientalis Ikeda is now available in the United States. The vaccine provides veterinarians and producers with a new option to address a growing disease concern affecting cattle herds.
Theileria is a parasite spread through the bite of infected ticks. Once cattle become infected, they may develop bovine infectious anemia and experience symptoms such as fever, lethargy, jaundice, reduced milk production, abortion, and, in severe cases, death.
According to research and industry reports, tick-borne diseases cause billions of dollars in economic losses each year in the United States. Theileria is especially challenging because there is currently no approved treatment available. Research from Cornell University indicates that cattle surviving infection may remain infected for life, creating long-term production and reproductive challenges.
The disease often affects calves and pregnant heifers, although cattle of all ages can be impacted. USDA information suggests mortality rates can reach as high as 50% in infected animals under certain conditions.
Another concern is the rapid spread of the disease. By the time symptoms are recognized and a diagnosis is made, infected ticks may already have spread the parasite throughout a herd. Asian longhorned ticks, which continue expanding across the United States, are helping increase the risk of transmission.
The new vaccine targets multiple stages of the parasite’s life cycle, providing several opportunities to interrupt infection. It is administered as a two-dose series, consisting of an initial vaccination followed by a booster shot.
Veterinarians view improved disease prevention as an important step in reducing health risks, protecting animal welfare, and limiting economic losses for cattle operations. The vaccine also highlights ongoing efforts to develop additional tools against ticks and other vector-borne diseases affecting livestock.
As tick populations continue to expand, preventive strategies such as vaccination may play an increasingly important role in protecting herd health and productivity across the cattle industry.
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