Oct2013_News from UQ Vets Dayboro
Over the following months, we will be discussing several diseases of cattle; diseases which affect the production of our stock and for which there are vaccinations and methods of control.
As the weather warms and the ticks (of all types) become more prevalent, so do the number of cases we treat for tick associated diseases and disorders in animals.
I am confident that the readers of the Grapevine would like to read about something other than tick paralysis! (although this may be where I should place my little reminder about tick preventatives and daily tick searches on your dogs, cats, goats, calves and alpacas – given that yesterday I treated four animals for tick paralysis all before midday! Two of which, presented for symptoms which were not recognised as tick paralysis).
Tick fever or ‘red water’ is a disease affecting cattle which is transmitted by the cattle tick.
ALL cattle are susceptible, although Boss indicus cattle (e.g. Brahmans, Droughtmasters) are more resistant than the Bos taurus (eg. Angus, Dexters, Herefords, Holstein-Friesians, Jerseys) breeds; No one breed is safe!
Some areas of Australia are tick free. Cattle transported into these areas must be assessed prior to crossing the border into these tick free areas. On the opposing side, naive cattle brought into tick areas (such as ours) are highly susceptible to the disease.
Cattle often show acute onset of clinical signs, which can include lethargy, fever, red urine, reduced production (reduced milk yield), diarrhoea, abortion, inappetence and death. Some cattle display symptoms which can include circling, head pressing, altered behaviour, twitching or convulsions and paralysis. Veterinarians may confirm anaemia, jaundice and/or fever. Affected bulls can become (temporarily) sterile.
To minimise loss, it is imperative that affected cattle are diagnosed and treated early. Veterinarians will assess the affected animal(s) and take samples to help confirm the diagnosis of tick fever. Cattle then receive specific treatment and supportive nursing care.
Control and prevention: A tickacide can be used to remove the ticks from the animals. These can be in the form of pour- ons, sprays and dips. Removing ticks from the animals is not only an aide to reduce the susceptibility of contracting tick fever but also improves the health and therefore production (growth, fertility, meat, milk) of the stock.
Tick fever is costly! The Farmer faced with an outbreak of tick fever in their herd will face losses due to death or loss of condition of the animal, abortion, reduced bull fertility, reduced milk production, veterinary costs and time in nursing the affected animals.
Immunity and vaccination: In endemic areas (this includes the Dayboro and neighbouring districts) calves, suckling colostrum from their dam, are generally provided with passive immunity for approximately two months. If calves are affected by tick fever before the age of six months they can develop long lasting immunity.
Tick fever vaccine: Calves and cows that are vaccinated with the tick fever vaccination (also known as ‘blooded’) develop life-long immunity. Once vaccinated with the tick fever vaccination, it can take up to nine weeks for the animal to develop immunity.
Being a live vaccine, there is an increased likelihood of the cattle developing a reaction when compared to using killed vaccines. However, live vaccines are generally highly specific and sensitive, meaning they are a strong vaccine causing the animal to develop strong immunity against tick fever. Some cattle do develop reactions following vaccination, which are similar to those clinical signs mentioned above. However most of these reactions are in fact infection prior to the animal developing immunity, and in which case the animal needs to be treated for tick fever. We feel that there is far greater advantage for vaccinating cattle than there is risk of the animal developing a vaccination reaction. It is recommended that cattle not be subjected to ‘stress’ for up to nine weeks following vaccination. Stress may include transportation, marking and breeding.
Tick fever vaccinations can be ordered through your veterinarian in single or multiple doses. Tick fever vaccinations are not available from your produce store.
For more information on tick fever, vaccinating your cattle or placing an order for the tick fever vaccine, please contact our informative receptionists whom will be able to guide you further, or log on to our webpage – www.localvet.com.au/dayboro .
For those producers who are new to the industry, we can offer to consult with you and come out to your property and vaccinate your cattle for you.
A web of knowledge: Ticks are part of the class known as Arachnids (Arachnida) – all of which have eight legs. Sharing this class-room include spiders and mites!
UQ Vets Dayboro,
125 McKenzie Street, Dayboro.
Phone 3425 1544 ALL HOURS
