Thread by @TanakaChaza

Cattle in endemic areas of the Zimbabwe are being affected by Theileriosis/January Disease:

Here is a thread about Theileriosis/January Disease:
#chataboutfarming

Theileriosis is a blood-borne parasitic disease caused by a population of Theileria. It is only found in cattle and is spread mainly by ticks. We've seen incidents in Zimbabwe making the headlines.

A cattle must be bitten by a disease-carrying tick to become infected with Theileria. Direct animal-to-animal contact does not spread it. Cattle may be infected with the Theileria parasite without presenting any clinical signs of illness.

Theileriosis is a disease that only affects cattle and is spread by cattle ticks.
In cattle, theileriosis causes anemia and can be fatal.
The most susceptible to infection are cows during calving and young calves (2-3 months).

It tkes around 6-8 weeks for the parasite to reach substantial levels in the blood aftr the animal has bn bitten. This stage, the body tries to eliminate the parasite. Since parasite lives within red blood cells, the body destroys infected red blood cells in order to eliminate it

Signs: Pale or yellow, rather than healthy pink, vulva (open up the vulva and look at the colouring inside).
Pale or yellow whites of eyes (a sign of jaundice)
cows lagging on the walk to the shed
Cows are off their food and appear hollow sided
sudden death

Control & Prevention of Theileria:
Spraying from knapsack/plunge
use tick grease
Vaccinations/ treatment plans
Dipping after 3 to 4 days
Observe cattle regularly during the risk period.