Rhéa Anaplasma

In cattle and livestock, several vector-borne diseases can seriously affect animal health and productivity.

Bovine theileriosis, caused by several species of the genus Theileria (notably T. annulata and T. parva), is transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma or Rhipicephalus. It manifests itself through fever, anaemia, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss and sometimes breathing difficulties.

Bovine babesiosis, caused in particular by Babesia bovis or Babesia bigemina, is a parasitic disease also transmitted by ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus microplus. It causes high fever, haemolytic anaemia, dark urine (hence its nickname ‘red water fever’), weakness and sometimes death.

The treatment for these two diseases is generally the same, based on antiparasitic drugs.

Bovine anaplasmosis is caused by an intracellular bacterium, Anaplasma marginale, transmitted by ticks, biting insects or contaminated instruments. It causes anaemia, fever, jaundice, depression and loss of appetite, which can lead to death in adult cattle. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is also one of the Anaplasma species that can cause similar symptoms in cattle. Tetracyclines are generally used in the treatment of anaplasmosis.

Finally, borreliosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is less common in cattle, although it is transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes. It can cause lameness, joint stiffness, fever, weight loss and sometimes abortions.

Although cattle can sometimes be asymptomatic carriers, all these diseases represent a significant risk, especially in tick-infested areas. In addition, some of these pathogens have also been described in sheep and goats.

The Rhéa Anaplasma test is a new-generation molecular test that enables the detection of Anaplasma spp. in cattle, sheep and goats in a simple, reliable and rapid manner, enabling the affected animal to be isolated and treated even before the first clinical signs appear.

Unlike traditional PCR reactions, Rhéa® tests are performed in just a few steps on a portable, easy-to-use reading system. Results can therefore be obtained in less than 40 minutes, either at the clinic or in the field.