A LEADING expert in Theileriosis is warning beef and dairy farmers to beware of ticks and the potentially fatal blood-borne disease they carry.
Dr Jade Hammer, a Bairnsdale veterinarian researching the transmission of Theileriosis, told Stock & Land that autumn was when farmers needed to be aware of the tick-transmitted blood parasite Theileria and its effect on their cattle, especially at calving time.
Dr Hammer also wants farmers to collect any ticks they find on their cattle.
Theileriosis is endemic in cattle across the eastern and southern seaboard and northern states of Australia and recent outbreaks of the disease (and cattle deaths) reportedly started in South Australia were in spring last year.
The infection Theileria buffeli is widespread among beef herds in the northern tablelands of NSW and the latest cattle deaths in NSW from Theileriosis were last month.
Tasmania is the only state in Australia where no outbreaks have been recorded.
While outbreaks have occurred in Australia for more than 100 years, since 2006 they have become more common and increased in severity, leading to cattle deaths.
However, Dr Hammer said there were still some areas where beef and dairy cattle were at significant risk, especially in western Victoria.
"Theileriosis has been confirmed in cattle in southern NSW since 2006 and Gippsland has regular infections," he said.
"Herds in Victoria's Western District that have not been in contact with Theileriosis are at significant risk if the tick or other means of transmission between cattle is in the region.
"Gippsland is the epicentre for outbreaks in Australia.
"We have now seen the first outbreaks of Theileria ikeda genotype in South Australia, and in May 2013, Theileria orientalis was seen in Western Australia for the first time.
"Last year in spring we saw Orbost beef and dairy farmers dealing with a volume of outbreaks of Theileria orientalis.
"We also saw a significant number of beef calves die from it.
"Spring and autumn are the two peak times of the year when we see the biggest volume of outbreaks, particularly after rainfall and warm weather.
"People should be alert to signs of anaemia, which can include pale gums, panting, lethargy, jaundice, hanging back in cattle, and aborting and still-born calves.
"Milk production will also slow down in dairy cows.
"I suggest dairy farmers check for signs of ticks on their cows at milking time.
"We are expecting an increase in infection and now is the perfect time for people to be aware and look out for ticks and diagnostic signs of the disease."
Theileriosis is confirmed with a simple blood test by veterinarians.
Dr Hammer is undertaking research through the University of Sydney to confirm the transmission method and volume of blood needed for infection and needs more ticks to confirm his research to date.
"So many cattle haven't been exposed so when the ticks get moving it increases the likelihood of infection in these herds," he said.
"Infection rates also rise when cattle are moved to another property."
In the latest outbreaks in SA and NSW, movement of cattle from one property to another and between states has been confirmed as a factor.
With the large numbers of cattle that have been moving around Victoria and interstate recently, particularly with weaner sales occurring, now is the time for people to raise their awareness of Theileriosis.
Farmers finding ticks on their animals should take the parasites to their local veterinarian or contact Dr Hammer at Bairnsdale.
"They can send me live ticks in a container through the post or I can arrange to collect them," Dr Hammer said.
"We are very close to confirming the volume of blood that is needed to transfer Theileriosis, which can make all the difference to understanding transmission of the disease."
In the past two years Dr Hammer has been a highly sought speaker at farmers' workshops and agricultural conferences and consulted by fellow veterinarians.
Dr Hammer will be talking to farmers and veterinarians about Theileriosis at the Beef Innovation Day at Struan, SA, on March 27 and at the PanPacific Veterinary Conference in Brisbane in May.