Babesiosis & Anaplasmosis in Cattle & Buffalo

What are babesiosis and anaplasmosis?

Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are two tick-borne diseases of the blood. Both damage red blood cells, so the animal becomes anaemic (short of red blood cells). Farmers group them with theileriosis under the name tick fever.

Babesiosis, often called redwater, is caused by Babesia, a tiny parasite that lives inside red blood cells. In India it is spread mainly by the common cattle tick. As the red cells burst, the urine can turn red or brown.

Anaplasmosis is caused by Anaplasma marginale, a very small germ that also lives in red blood cells. Ticks spread it, and so can biting flies and needles or tools that carry blood from one animal to another. The urine usually stays a normal colour, but the animal may turn yellow (jaundice). Adult cattle are often hit harder than young calves. Animals that recover from either disease can stay carriers.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• High fever, dullness and poor appetite
• Red, brown or coffee-coloured urine, mainly in babesiosis
• Pale gums and eyes
• Yellow eyes or gums, often in anaplasmosis
• A sudden drop in milk
• Weakness and fast breathing

Not every animal shows every sign. Some animals with severe babesiosis may stagger or have fits, and pregnant animals may abort.

Which lab tests help

A Blood Protozoa (Blood Parasite Smear) is a stained blood film checked under a microscope. It can show Babesia or Anaplasma inside the red cells, most often while the animal has a fever. Carriers may have too few to see. The Tick Fever Panel for Cattle & Buffalo (Theileriosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) checks for the three main tick fevers together.

PCR finds the DNA of these germs even when numbers are very low. The Bovine Tick Fever RT-PCR Panel (Theileria, Babesia & Anaplasma) typically looks for Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma in one test; the exact list is confirmed when you book. Single tests are Babesia bigemina / bovis RT-PCR and Anaplasma marginale RT-PCR.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) shows how severe the anaemia is and can be repeated to follow recovery. A Urine Routine can show whether red urine is caused by blood pigment.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a cow or buffalo has a fever, pale or yellow gums or red urine. An animal that is weak, breathing fast or passing dark red urine needs a vet the same day, because severe anaemia can kill. Ask your vet about tick control and other prevention for your herd.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab, at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. In other districts, your local vet can send blood samples, or they can come by courier or bus parcel. The lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. Reports arrive on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.