Texas cattle fever, also known as bovine babesiosis or southern cattle fever, is a contagious parasitic disease caused by the protozoan organism Babesia bovis, which affects cattle. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, with the lone star tick serving as the primary vector in the southern United States.
The disease is characterized by various symptoms, including fever, anemia, loss of appetite, decreased milk production, weakness, and weight loss. If left untreated, Texas cattle fever can be fatal to infected animals. Furthermore, surviving cattle can become lifelong carriers of the disease, posing a constant threat to others in the herd.
Historically, Texas cattle fever has had significant economic and ecological implications in the cattle industry. The disease played a major role in shaping the movements and patterns of the livestock trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as it required strict quarantine measures and limitations on the movement of cattle between different regions.
Efforts to control Texas cattle fever have involved the identification and removal of infected animals, tick control measures such as pasture management and acaricides, and the development of effective vaccines. Due to persistent management and eradication efforts, the disease is no longer considered endemic in most regions, including the United States. However, vigilance is still required to prevent its reintroduction and to protect susceptible cattle populations from potential outbreaks.
