OSU study discovers increased risk factors for anaplasmosis marginale infection in Ohio cattle

University Products LLC spotlighted a recent study by Ohio State University (OSU) on the prevalence of anaplasma marginale and linked risk factors in beef cattle from Ohio, the first study of its kind to report bovine anaplasmosis in Ohio herds. The findings displayed an estimated statewide molecular prevalence of 38.53% (95% CI, 33.26% to 43.81%), with some farms experiencing higher prevalence than others (19.40% to 56.86%).¹

Anaplasmosis is a blood disease carried by parasites that infects red blood cells, causing severe anemia and death. This leads to an annual global cattle loss of approximately between $14-$19 billion dollars, according to a news release.² Louisiana-based University Products has developed the only effective vaccine against anaplasmosis approved for experimental use and successfully deployed in the US, Puerto Rico, and South America for over 20 years.

Anaplasmosis treatments usually consist of a tetracycline antibiotic, or chlortetracycline supplied in feed and mineral supplements. All antibiotic treatments require a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) for oral use, with most veterinarians warning that cows may not eat a sufficient amount for an effective treatment. Also, with recent FDA antibiotic restrictions³, producers must have a confirmed case of anaplasmosis to receive a VFD. This disease is especially harmful because most ranchers and producers don’t recognize signs of infection until a cow is dead. By this time, most of the rest of the herd is already infected.

"We've seen a rise in these infections in Ohio and other states – some farms are just naturally more at risk than others," said vaccine developer, Gene Luther, DVM, PhD, in the release.² "We want ranchers to protect their herds, and to do so, they need treatments that are effective. Our vaccine will always remain the best, most cost effective, protection farmers can get to fight this disease."

References

1. Eleftheriou A, Cole D, Kieffer J, Pesapane R. Molecular prevalence of anaplasma marginale and associated risk factors in beef cattle herds from Ohio: a cross-sectional study. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2022 Sep 1:1-5. doi: 10.2460/javma.22.05.0204.
2. Ohio Farmers seek out Louisiana-based vaccine maker for help as new OSU study finds increased risk factors for anaplasmosis marginale infection in Ohio cattle herds. News release. University Products LLC. September 22, 2022. Accessed September 22, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-farmers-seek-out-louisiana-based-vaccine-maker-for-help-as-new-osu-study-finds-increased-risk-factors-for-anaplasmosis-marginale-infection-in-ohio-cattle-herds-301630640.html
3. University Products LLC alerts cattle ranchers: 'Antibiotic restrictions are here - the FDA is beginning to regulate over-the-counter use of drugs traditionally used to treat anaplasmosis and other infections.' University Products LLC. April 20, 2022. Accessed September 22, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-products-llc-alerts-cattle-ranchers-antibiotic-restrictions-are-here--the-fda-is-beginning-to-regulate-over-the-counter-use-of-drugs-traditionally-used-to-treat-anaplasmosis-and-other-infections-301528651.html