Vaccine successfully treats anaplasmosis in cows, developer says

A vaccine developer associated with Louisiana State University says its bovine anaplasmosis vaccine has shown positive results, and officials now hope to spread the word to more producers.

The vaccine, created by LSU-affiliated University Products LLC, has been successfully used to treat anaplasmosis since 2000, according to the company. It’s been approved by USDA for experimental use, and 24 states and Puerto Rico have approved it.

“Reports are overwhelmingly positive, and we’re now looking to spread the word so that other beef farmers and producers across the nation are aware of the treatment,” the announcement said.

Anaplasmosis, commonly carried by ticks and flies, infects red blood cells. It causes severe anemia and can lead to death.

The vaccine doesn’t prevent infection, but when properly used, it significantly reduces clinical signs in at-risk animals, the university said. It requires two doses in the first year, with one annual booster each year after that.

The treatment is safe to use in any stage of bovine pregnancy, and there has never been a reported case of neonatal isoerythrolysis in calves of vaccinated cows. It’s also safe to use with animals suspected of incubating anaplasmosis and can be used in tandem with tetracycline treatments during an outbreak.

University Products provides more information on the vaccine here.