Tick fever is a serious threat to cattle, but many producers believe that exposure to ticks is enough to build immunity. This misconception, as explained by Ryan Honor, a beef extension officer at the Department of Primary Industries, can have devastating consequences.
Tick fever is a silent killer, and the cost of prevention is minimal compared to the potential losses.
While it's true that ticks can carry the disease, only a small fraction of their larvae actually transmit the tick fever organisms. So, cattle can be infested with ticks and yet remain vulnerable to the disease.
Tick fever attacks red blood cells, causing them to rupture and leading to anemia, oxygen deprivation, and organ failure. The symptoms are severe: high fevers, lethargy, loss of appetite, and anemia. In some cases, producers might notice 'redwater,' where damaged red blood cells turn the urine red, or jaundice, with yellowing of tissues.
The economic impact of tick fever outbreaks is significant. Cattle deaths, abortions, reduced bull fertility, and lower weight gains in survivors are all potential losses. There's also the labor cost of managing an outbreak, which can quickly add up, especially with the current high value of cattle.
One of the key risk factors is introducing naive cattle to tick-infested areas. These animals, lacking prior exposure, are highly susceptible to the disease. Seasonal conditions and changing herd genetics can also increase susceptibility.
Brahman cattle, for example, have some tolerance to Babesia organisms but are still vulnerable to anaplasma. Age also plays a role, with calves receiving protection from their mother's milk for the first two months.
The ideal time to vaccinate is between three and nine months of age, when young cattle develop age-related resistance. Vaccination provides a controlled exposure to the organisms, offering lifetime immunity.
The three-germ tick fever vaccine is relatively inexpensive, costing around $6.15 per dose, and providing lifetime protection with a single injection. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and the assurance that your cattle are protected.
However, the vaccine must be handled with care. It contains live organisms and has a short shelf life, so proper storage and handling are crucial.
For producers unsure about vaccination, Ryan Honor's advice is clear: "Vaccination takes the guesswork out of the equation. Just because you have ticks doesn't mean your cattle are immune to tick fever. With vaccination, you know they're protected."
Don't let tick fever catch you off guard. The consequences can be severe, but the solution is simple and affordable.
