Cattle babesiosis: causes of infection and symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention

Cattle babesiosis is understood as a common pathology that is invasive in nature. It is found in various regions and can lead to serious losses and death of a large number of livestock. Therefore, it is so important to engage in the prevention of the disease in a timely manner. If its symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately isolate the sick animal and take measures for its treatment.

Description of the disease

Babesiosis is a dangerous invasive disease that is associated with damage to animal tissues and organs by protozoa. Parasitic babesia are considered very dangerous.These microorganisms have spread throughout almost the entire planet. The only exception is Antarctica. The disease is characterized by vague symptoms. It is often identified with piroplasmosis.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

The causative agents of pathology are considered to be quite large parasites. They can be of different shapes. However, the most common is parnopear. The parasites usually enter the blood cells. As a result, potent toxic substances accumulate in the body, which poison it.

The main carrier of the disease are parasitic ticks from the genus Ixodes. Therefore, it is usually seasonal in nature and is associated with a period of mass development of ticks. The peak of insect activity is in June-July. Almost all members of the genus spread a specific pathogen.

First of all, the disease manifests itself in the form of complex lesions of the nervous system and dysfunction of organs and systems. The causative agent is quite contagious. Therefore, it is impossible to prevent babesiosis without annual prophylaxis. In cattle, the pathology causes the following symptoms:

• decrease in milk production and loss of appetite;
• increase in body temperature to 40-42 degrees, fever;
• blanching of the mucous membranes - they quickly turn yellow;
• pink color of urine - by the end of the disease it becomes dark red;
• cessation of milking for 4-6 days;
• watery composition of the blood.

Diagnosing the problem

To make a diagnosis, an integrated approach is used. To do this, it is worth considering the clinical picture, the results of microscopic examination of smears. Serological diagnostic methods are considered informative.

It is important to carry out differential diagnosis with anthrax, pasteurellosis, chronic hematuria. It is also worth distinguishing pathology from leptospirosis, anaplasmosis, mineral intoxication.

How to treat babesiosis in cattle

When identifying babesia in the body, it is important to take immediate action. The parasite provokes a rapid defeat and causes negative changes in organs and systems. In this case, the affected animals often die. Therefore, at the first symptoms of pathology, the animal needs peace and comfort. It is recommended to feed him properly and give him antiparasitics.

First of all, the pet should be provided with complete rest and isolated from other animals. Increased activity and prolonged physical activity adversely affect the general condition of the animal. This negatively affects the state of the immune system. As a consequence, an increase in invasive lesions is observed.To isolate the affected animals are moved to a bright room. In this case, the temperature should be at least +15 degrees. Relative humidity cannot exceed 85%. Essential treatments for babesiosis include:

1. "Azidin-vet" - the agent is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. It must be entered 1 time. If the condition does not improve, a second injection is given after 24-30 hours.
2. "Akaprin" - the composition is used for intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. The agent must be administered in the form of an aqueous solution with a concentration of 1%.
3. "Hemosporidin" - the drug is suitable for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. In this case, a 1-2% aqueous solution is used. The substance is recommended to be administered 2-3 times with an interval of a day.
4. "Imidocarb" - injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The tool is used 1 time. If the condition does not improve, after 1-2 days the introduction should be repeated.

Additional products used to treat livestock include the following:

1. "Albargin" is a strong antiparasitic agent that has a complex effect. The drug is administered 1 time by intravenous injection.
2. Vitamin B12 - used to stimulate hematopoietic functions. The formulation is suitable for injection. For 1 animal, 1-2 milligrams of the substance is required. It is recommended to use the drug for several days until the blood structure improves.
3. Glauber's s alt - improves the condition of the body in the development of ventricular atony. The drug is used in the form of a solution with a concentration of 1%. The substance is washed with a scar using a gastric tube.
4. Caffeine - used to normalize the functions of the heart and blood vessels. The substance is suitable for subcutaneous injection. To do this, it is worth using 5-10 milliliters per 1 individual per day. The solution is recommended to be administered once. If necessary, the procedure should be repeated.
5. Sodium chloride - is used to combat persistent atony of the proventriculus. The product is suitable for intravenous administration. In this case, it is recommended to use aqueous solutions with a concentration of 10%. For 1 individual it is required to use 200-300 milliliters. The duration of therapy depends on the degree of complexity of the disease. Usually it takes several days.

For the treatment to be effective, it is important to provide the cattle with a proper and he althy diet.

At this time, the animal's body needs vitamins, minerals and other useful elements that provide activation of the immune system.

For this, it is recommended to use chopped hay from meadow grasses, green grass, fresh root crops. To improve the condition of animals, fresh milk or skim milk is suitable. This type of dressing is recommended to be used 3 times a day. For 1 animal, 1.5-2 liters will be required.

Prevention measures

To avoid the development of pathology, it is recommended to follow these rules:

• graze livestock on checked pastures that are protected from ticks;
• keep cattle in a stall;
• take care of appearance and keep animals clean;
• during the mass development of ticks, treat the outer covers every 10 days with acaricides - these include Permethrin, Butox;
• in regions with an unfavorable situation at the beginning of the mass development of ticks, inject Azidin-vet or Hemosporidin once.

Is it dangerous for humans

In humans, this pathology usually develops against the backdrop of a weakened immune system. However, such cases are extremely rare. With normal immunity, the disease has an asymptomatic course.

Babesiosis is one of the most complex parasitic infestations that often occurs in cattle. Every year, the pathology spreads over large areas. Because sick animals are found everywhere. To cope with the disease and prevent the loss of livestock, it is important to take action in a timely manner.

Recommended