Missouri’s Lewis County. Extension specialists are advising producers to remain vigilant and collaborate closely with veterinarians in light of the confirmation of Theileria orientalis ikeda, an emerging cow disease, in both Missouri and Iowa.
The disease was first identified in six Missouri counties, according to a news release from the University of Missouri Extension issued in April 2024. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture Reportable Diseases map, there are now 18 counties as of December 2024. This is the first confirmed case in Iowa, where a case has now also been reported. Additionally, producers have received a warning from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, highlighting the possible risk to herd health.
Cattle who contract the tick-borne protozoal disease Theileria orientalis ikeda experience weakness and anemia, and in extreme situations, they may even die. The Asian longhorned tick, which has been discovered in Missouri and other states, is the main vector of transmission. Cattle that contract the disease become lifetime carriers, and as of right now, the US lacks both approved vaccines and efficient treatments.
G2113 Theileria orientalis: An Emerging Cattle Disease in Missouri, a guidesheet published by MU Extension, provides producers with crucial information such as:
- Clinical signs to watch for (e.g., increased temperature, pale mucous membranes, lethargy)
- Transmission routes
- Prevention strategies, including tick control
- Diagnostic recommendations
According to a news release from MU Extension Livestock Specialist Brenda Schreck, producers in our area should be on the lookout for instances, which have now been verified in both Missouri and Iowa. Working with a veterinarian and keeping a tight eye on animals are essential. Strong tick protection measures and early discovery can help stop the spread.
Speak with your veterinarian about testing and management options if you observe sickness, weakness, or mortality loss in your herd that cannot be explained.
For additional details:
News release from Missouri Extension for April 2024: https://extension.missouri.edu/news/emerging-cattle-disease-found-in-missouri
Theileria map of Reportable Diseases, Missouri Department of Agriculture: https://agriculture.mo.gov/animals/pdf/theileria-map.pdf
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g2113 is the MU Extension guidesheet G2113.
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/beef-cattle-disease-confirmed-iowa-first-time is the article from Iowa Extension.
