blake
Life Member
NEWS:
Ticks Tied to Reports of Cattle and Deer Deaths
April 2009
PIERRE, S.D. – Acting state Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven says the Animal Industry Board has received several calls about unexplained cattle, horse, and deer deaths in an area south of Interior, South Dakota.
“Local veterinarians have worked closely with veterinary diagnostic laboratories in attempts to reach a diagnosis,” Oedekoven said. “At this point, it appears multiple factors have contributed to cattle deaths in that area, including ticks, severe weather, lack of nutrition, and possibly infectious diseases.”
A heavy tick infestation is a common factor in the deaths, he said. The tick species identified from some of the cattle is known as the “winter tick”, which can be found on deer, elk and cattle. Ticks and other external parasites can cause animals to become weak and anemic, and can affect their immune systems. Oedekoven said cattle can be treated for ticks, and it may be an important part of a herd health plan.
During pre-calving months, adequate nutrition is a must, as cows expend large amounts of energy growing healthy calves and preparing for births. Cattle pregnancies correspond to some of the harshest winter months, another reason to ensure proper nutrition.
“Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease that causes anemia, has not been identified in any of the samples collected from cattle,” Oedekoven said. “Samples from several ranches were tested for a variety of other diseases, none of which appear to be widespread problems at this point.”
Dr. Oedekoven said a request to report cattle herds with tick infestations or unexplained deaths was sent to area veterinarians and ranchers, but no additional reports have been received.
“This experience once again demonstrates the importance, even with disease issues that seem routine, of getting proper samples and notifying a veterinarian so diagnosis and any treatments are timely and appropriate,” Oedekoven said. “Anytime a producer notices something out of the ordinary, such as increased death losses or high parasite loads, it is advisable to contact a local veterinarian.”
People seeing dead or ill deer, elk or other wildlife should contact the nearest Game, Fish and Parks Division of Wildlife office or local conservation officers.
“We are concerned whenever there is loss of wildlife,” said Tom Kirschenmann, Game, Fish and Parks Chief of Terrestrial Resources. “Our department has also received calls from landowners in regards to sick and dead deer. In response, we have worked closely with those producers and local veterinarians, as well as the Animal Industry Board, to collect and submit samples to the diagnostic lab in the same manner as livestock samples. We will continue to remove sick deer reported by landowners and encourage them to consult their local veterinarians on livestock questions and concerns.”