Bovine anaplasmosis treatment: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma spp., is an intraerythrocytic disease affecting domestic cattle and wildlife, predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas. This bacterium is mainly transmitted by ticks, such as the species Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, although it can also be transmitted by other vectors and objects contaminated with blood. Numerous outbreaks of Anaplasma spp. have been detected in Spain: Cadiz shows a higher prevalence of anaplasmosis in wildlife, while in Madrid it is more common in domestic livestock. In the Canary Islands, it was detected for the first time on a farm on the island of Gran Canaria. The control of bovine anaplasmosis includes vector management and treatment with antibiotics such as oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline. Vaccination with live or inactivated vaccines, together with chemical and biological vector control, is crucial for prevention. On the other hand, diagnostic tools such as cELISA and qRTPCR help in the detection and management of the disease, improving the efficacy of treatment. It is reported a clinical case in a livestock farm in Ingenio, in the southeast of Gran Canaria, of a 2-year-old female Norwegian Norwich red breed diagnosed with anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale. The diagnosis was confirmed by Giemsa-stained smear and direct microscopic observation. Treatment consisted of administration of oxytetracycline (Terramycin® 100 mg/ml Injectable Solution) at a dose of 10 mg per kg body weight per day for 5 days. After the treatment, a weekly monitoring was performed, which showed a significant improvement of clinical signs and haematological parameters on day 35.