ABSTRACT
Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease of cattle caused by a minute parasite, Anaplasma marginale. The Anaplasma organism invades the red blood cells. Various control programs for anaplasmosis are listed: Test the herd and separate carriers from susceptible animals. Man commonly transmits anaplasmosis organisms from one animal to another on dehorning saws, castrating knives, vaccinating and bleeding needles, tattoo instruments, and ear notchers. Control of biting insects quite often can be frustrating and generally is not considered to be a practical, reliable method of totally preventing transmission of anaplasmosis. Carrier-state elimination programs must include postmedication serologic testing. Temporary protection is accomplished by administering parenteral injections of oxytetracycline. The level of chlortetracycline will aid in the elimination of the carrier state of anaplasmosis in beef cattle. The proper handling of an outbreak should include the treatment of clinically ill animals and provide adequate protection for the remainder of the herd.
