Recently, theileriosis- a disease that is predominantly transmitted through the Asian longhorned tick- was detected in a Southeast Iowa cattle herd. This is the first outbreak in Iowa since the invasive tick was first detected in New Jersey during 2017. Grant Dewell, beef extension veterinarian at Iowa State University, said the presence of both the disease and the tick was confirmed after a farmer noticed the symptoms in their cattle herd.
Dewell said the disease destroys the red blood cells in its host, which limits the movement of oxygen through the bloodstream.
Dewell said the presence of the Asian longhorned tick in Iowa means that cattle producers need to be checking their cattle regularly, even when they are out on pasture.
There is no treatment for the disease, so Dewell said prevention is critical in order to keep cattle healthy.
If a farmer does suspect the presence of the Asian longhorned tick in their cattle herd, Dewell said a herd veterinarian can do tests to confirm whether or not they have contracted theileriosis.
For more information, visit iowabeefcenter.org.
