Bovine anaemia caused by Theileria orientalis group

Summary

Theileria are protozoan parasites carried by ticks. When ticks carrying Theileria feed on cattle, the parasite gets into their bloodstream and enters red blood cells.

In some animals, sufficient red blood cells are destroyed to cause anaemia - a reduction in the red blood cell numbers. This reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen and makes the animal ill.

Some of the topics covered by this Factsheet include:

• Cause
• Method of Infection
• Susceptible animals
• Signs of disease
• Treatment
• Management