Agricultural Biosecurity: Cattle Fever, Anaplasmosis, EIA, CWD, MCF, FMD

What pathogens cause Texas Cattle Fever?

Caused by protozoa Babesia bovis or B. bigemina.

What are the vectors for Texas Cattle Fever?

Cattle Fever Ticks, scientifically known as Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. microplus.

What significant breakthrough in disease transmission was made in 1890?

Kilborne's experiments showed that ticks were necessary for the transmission of cattle fever.

What are the effects of the Babesia organism on cattle?

It attacks and destroys red blood cells, causing acute anemia, high fever, and can lead to death in 70-90% of susceptible naive cattle.

When did Texas Cattle Fever arrive in the US?

In the 1600s, brought by cattle imported from Spanish colonies.

What role did Daniel Elmer Salmon play in cattle disease regulation?

He established a quarantine line after finding that healthy cattle grazing with infected animals became susceptible.

What was established by Congress in 1884 related to cattle disease?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to regulate interstate cattle movement.

Describe the life cycle of the Texas fever tick.

The tick spends its entire life cycle on a single host; engorged females drop off to lay eggs, which hatch into young ticks that live in grass until they find a grazing animal.

What was the purpose of the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program established in 1906?

To share costs and resources among the federal government and 14 southern states and California for tick control.

Which animals are affected by Cattle Fever Ticks?

Cattle, horses, white-tailed deer, nilgai antelope, exotic hoofstock, and red deer.

What are the categories for quarantined properties regarding Cattle Fever Ticks?

Infested, Adjacent, Exposed, or Check premises.

What is the causative agent of Bovine Anaplasmosis?

Anaplasma marginale, an intracellular bacteria.

How is Bovine Anaplasmosis transmitted?

By ticks, biting flies, and re-use of blood contaminated equipment.

What are common clinical signs of Bovine Anaplasmosis?

Fever, weakness, weight loss, decreased milk production, and anemia.

What is the estimated annual cost of Bovine Anaplasmosis to the U.S. cattle industry?

More than $300 million due to deaths, devaluation, and control expenses.

What biosecurity practices are crucial for controlling Bovine Anaplasmosis?

Tick/fly control, not reusing farm medical instruments, and sanitizing equipment.

What virus causes Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)?

Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV).

What is the treatment for EIA?

There is no vaccine or treatment; infected animals must be isolated or euthanized.

What are the clinical signs of EIA?

Fever, weight loss, icterus, anemia, swelling in limbs, and weakness.

How is EIA primarily transmitted?

Through biting fly vectors and iatrogenic transmission via contaminated equipment.

What is the Coggins test used for?

It is the effective serologic test for diagnosing EIA.

What are Texas regulations regarding EIA testing?

Equines must have a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months for ownership changes or assembly participation.

What is required for equines when changing ownership or participating in assemblies in Texas?

Equines must have a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months.

What happens to confirmed positive equids in Texas?

They are quarantined or usually euthanized and must be identified with a '74-A' freeze or firebrand.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

CWD is a prion disease affecting deer, elk, and similar animals, caused by misfolded proteins.

When was CWD first recognized and where?

CWD was first recognized in mule deer in Colorado in the late 1960s.

How many U.S. states currently have reported cases of CWD?

CWD is identified in 32 U.S. states.

What are some symptoms of CWD?

Symptoms include weight loss, frequent urination, poor coordination, drooping ears, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

What is the zoonotic status of CWD?

CWD has not been reported in humans, but it is theoretically a risk due to its relation to BSE.

What management practices are recommended for CWD?

Management includes the CWD Voluntary Herd Certification Program, requiring fencing, individual animal IDs, and testing of animals over 12 months that die.

What is Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF)?

MCF is a serious viral disease of cloven-hooved animals caused by ruminant herpes viruses.

Which species are primarily affected by MCF?

MCF principally affects domestic sheep, cattle, water buffalo, wildebeest, American bison, and deer.

What is the primary control strategy for MCF?

The only effective control strategy is separating carriers from susceptible species.

What is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?

FMD is a severe, fast-spreading viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals.

What is the economic impact of FMD outbreaks?

An outbreak could cost between $2 billion and over $200 billion, with significant losses reported in past outbreaks.

What are the general symptoms of FMD?

Symptoms include acute febrile illness and vesicles on the feet and in the mouth.

What specific signs of FMD are seen in cattle?

Cattle show vesicles/ulcers on the tongue, gums, and cause profuse salivation.

What is the treatment for FMD?

There is no specific treatment other than supportive care; antiviral agents are under investigation.

What must be done if a vesicular disease is suspected in the U.S.?

It must be reported immediately to state or federal authorities.

What is the role of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) regarding FMD?

PIADC is the only U.S. lab that can work on live FMD virus and co-developed a rapid-response diagnostic test.