Emerging infectious diseases threaten Wisconsin cattle
2:07 PM, Oct. 14, 2011
2:07 PM, Oct. 14, 2011
Source: http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/2011 ... sin-cattleRecently, within our veterinary practice, two different cattle on two separate farms were diagnosed with anaplasmosis.
This disease is caused by a very small parasite that attaches to the cattle's red blood cells. The animal's immune system ruptures the red cell as it attacks the parasite, causing severe anemia and resulting in weakness and, frequently, death.
The disease is rarely seen in Wisconsin and usually is only of concern when animals are brought from southern states. However, both of these animals were Wisconsin natives.