Bovine babesiosis, also called cattle tick fever or redwater, is a tick-borne protozoal disease in which Babesia parasites destroy red blood cells. It causes fever, severe anemia, and red-colored urine from hemoglobin. Outbreaks can cause heavy death losses in susceptible herds.
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.
Infection with Babesia bovis or Babesia bigemina, transmitted by Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) ticks; the parasites multiply inside red blood cells and rupture them.
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.
Blood smear showing parasites within red cells, plus serology or PCR; clinical signs and tick exposure raise suspicion.
Specific antiprotozoal drugs (such as imidocarb or diminazene), supportive fluids, and blood transfusion for severe anemia.
Tick control, vaccination with live attenuated vaccines where available, and careful introduction of cattle into tick-endemic areas.
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.
