Preventing Anaplasmosis in Cattle

Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale, is a persistent and widespread cattle disease in Oklahoma. The bacteria infect red blood cells and are transmitted through ticks, flies, or contaminated instruments. Infected cattle remain carriers for life, showing symptoms like anemia, lethargy, yellowing of mucous membranes, weight loss, and sudden aggression. Older cattle often die before producers detect an outbreak, with herd losses reaching up to 50%.

Prevention and control rely on veterinarian-guided management, including tetracycline antibiotics in feed or minerals via a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Treatment with injectable oxytetracycline can manage clinical signs, though recovered cattle remain carriers. While a vaccine exists in some states, it only reduces symptom severity. Additional preventive measures include controlling ticks and flies, rotating or burning pastures, and disinfecting instruments and needles.