Current challenges of the management and epidemiology of bovine anaplasmosis

Authors

  • Katherine M. Kocan Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
  • Jose de la Fuente Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; lnstituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s / n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
  • Douglas L. Step Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
  • Edmour F. Blouin Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
  • Johann F. Coetzee Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
  • Katharine M. Simpson Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
  • Suzanne G. Genova Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
  • Melanie J. Boileau Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol44no2p93-102

Keywords:

Anaplasma marginale, bovine anaplasmosis, rickettsia, cattle, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, anaplasmoses, classification, climate change, diagnosis, disease control, disease prevention, disease transmission, epidemiological surveys, epidemiology, geographical distribution, life cycle, molecular biology, reservoir hosts, strains, tickborne diseases, vaccination, vaccine development, vaccines, animal production

Abstract

Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by the intracellular rickettsia Anaplasma marginale, is endemic in several areas of the United States and has continued to impact cattle production. While considerable research has been done over the past several decades, control strategies for anaplasmosis have advanced minimally since the first anaplasmosis vaccine was marketed in the US in the 1960s. However, these research findings have continued to contribute to our overall understanding of the complexity of bovine anaplasmosis. With the advent of molecular biology, host/pathogen interactions are currently better defined and the classification of Anaplasma has been reorganized to include several organisms in addition to those that are host-specific for ruminants. In this review, the current status of anaplasmosis is discussed with the aim of providing insight to bovine practitioners on the future challenges for the management, diagnosis, and control of bovine anaplasmosis. This review focuses on updated information on the classification of the genus Anaplasma and related organisms, the developmental cycle of A. marginale in cattle and ticks, the role of male ticks in transmission of anaplasmosis, the diversity of A. marginale strains, the wildlife reservoirs of A. marginale, and the potential influence of climate change on the epidemiology of this serious disease. A second review will follow which focuses on current issues related to diagnosis and control of bovine anaplasmosis. Overall, the goal of these reviews is to provide an understanding of the current status of research and knowledge of bovine anaplasmosis and provide veterinarians answers to frequently asked questions.
Cover image of Volume 44, No. 2 of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of a herd of Hereford cattle inquisitively looking at the photographer. In the background, you can see a grain silo and glimpse a farmhouse through the trees.

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Published

2010-06-01

How to Cite

Kocan, K. M., de la Fuente, J., Step, D. L., Blouin, E. F., Coetzee, J. F., Simpson, K. M., Genova, S. G., & Boileau, M. J. (2010). Current challenges of the management and epidemiology of bovine anaplasmosis. The Bovine Practitioner, 44(2), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol44no2p93-102

Issue

Vol. 44, No. 2 (2010 Summer)

Section

Articles

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