| Description |
Bovine anaplasmosis is a disease exclusively of ruminants which is caused by the Rickettsial species Anaplasma marginale. It is biologically transmitted by the tick species Rhipicephalus. This species of tick has only once been reported on the island of Ireland. A. marginale can also be transmitted manually by biting flies, infected needles or farm equipment. A. marginale affects the hosts erythrocytes resulting in a severe haemolytic anaemia. This is displayed clinically by severe anaemia, jaundice, pale mucous membranes, brown discoloration of urine, fever, milk drop and hyperexcitability. It can ultimately lead to death. |
