A RECENT outbreak of the fatal tick-borne cattle disease Theileriosis in a beef herd near Millicent in South Australia means Tasmania is now the only Australian State not affected.
Outbreaks of Theileriosis have been increasing in the past two weeks, according to a leading veterinarian researching the disease.
Dr Jade Hammer confirmed now was when farmers would see the highest incidence of cattle deaths from Theileriosis.
South Australian chief veterinary officer Dr Roger Paskin confirmed the outbreak at Millicent.
"Given the way the disease can be spread, quarantine on the property won't be effective," he said.
"Biosecurity SA is alerting producers and veterinarians to be aware of the disease in SA.
"It's important producers and veterinarians are aware of how to protect animals from infections and farmers requiring further information should contact their local vet."
A Biosecurity SA spokesperson said the organisation was currently establishing how the cattle were infected.
The treating veterinarian told Stock & Land the animals affected have all been born on the property.
Dr Sarah McGrath, of Millicent Veterinary Clinic, confirmed three cattle died, six more were treated for Theileriosis and a second beef property "hundreds of kilometres away" was investigated, but cleared.
She said the tick Theileria ikeda had been identified as the carrier of the disease.
"We are hopeful, given the hot weather to come, it's relatively self limiting – but it is a tick," Dr McGrath said.
"The problem is we don't know how prevalent the tick population is in SA."
Dr McGrath said the initial diagnosis was confirmed on October 12.
"Dr Libby Varcoe did a post mortem that confirmed anaemic organs, confirming the clinical signs of jaundice on gums and vulva she saw on the dead cattle.
"A few days later, the laboratory results confirmed Theileriosis."
Millicent Veterinary Clinic is hosting a public meeting at 6.45pm Thursday (tonight) at the Millicent Community Club, where Dr McGrath and PIRSA representatives will speak about the disease and what producers need to know about it.
Dr Jade Hammer, a Bairnsdale veterinarian, has been researching Theileriosis, through the University of Sydney.
"Gippsland is the epicentre for outbreaks in Australia," Dr Hammer told Stock & Land yesterday.
"We have now seen the first outbreaks in SA and we are currently seeing outbreaks throughout Gippsland, particularly around Leongatha and Orbost.
"This is the time of the year when we see the biggest volume of outbreaks, particularly after rainfall and warm weather."
- Full story in the Stock & Land October 23 edition
