Bovine Babesiose (Rinderpiroplasmose)
Also known as: Rotwasserkrankheit
Die bovine Babesiose, auch Rinderpiroplasmose oder Rotwasserkrankheit genannt, ist eine durch Zecken übertragene Protozoenerkrankung, bei der Babesia-Parasiten rote Blutkörperchen zerstören. Sie verursacht Fieber, schwere Anämie und rot gefärbten Urin durch Hämoglobin. Ausbrüche können in empfänglichen Herden zu hohen Verlusten führen.
Quick facts
- Type:
- Parasitic
- Typical onset:
- Acute
- Body systems:
- Hemolymphatic, Urinary, Immune
- Affected species:
- CATTLE
- Reference codes:
- WOAH Bovine babesiosis
Overview
Bovine babesiosis is an acute, often severe protozoal disease of cattle transmitted by ticks. It is a major constraint to cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions.
Causes
Infection with Babesia bovis or Babesia bigemina, transmitted by Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) ticks; the parasites multiply inside red blood cells and rupture them.
Signs
High fever, severe anemia, weakness, pale then jaundiced membranes, and characteristic dark red or coffee-colored urine. B. bovis can cause additional nervous signs from cerebral involvement; death is common without treatment.
Diagnosis
Blood smear showing parasites within red cells, plus serology or PCR; clinical signs and tick exposure raise suspicion.
Treatment & Management
Specific antiprotozoal drugs (such as imidocarb or diminazene), supportive fluids, and blood transfusion for severe anemia.
Prevention
Tick control, vaccination with live attenuated vaccines where available, and careful introduction of cattle into tick-endemic areas.
Sources & references
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Describes Babesia infection, hemolytic disease, and tick transmission in cattle.
- WOAH (OIE) — WOAH overview of bovine babesiosis and tick control.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.