Disease affecting cattle detected in Tennessee

The state veterinarian for Tennessee is announcing detection of Theileria orientalis in a herd of cattle in Middle Tennessee.

Theileria is a tickborne parasite that infects red and white blood cells and causes severe anemia in cattle. There is no vaccine to prevent the illness or effective treatment. Once an animal is infected, it is a carrier for life.

The affected herd in Maury County showed signs of illness and lethargy, and despite veterinary attention and antibiotic treatments, ultimately some animals died.

Theileria is not a threat to human health. Humans cannot become sick from contact...