James Gathany, CDC

Theileria orientalis Ikeda is a red blood parasite associated with the longhorned tick. The organism was detected in cattle that were brought into Kansas from Virginia. Gregg Hanzlicek, associate director of the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, said the disease is primarily spread by the Asian longhorned tick. However, the disease can be spread in other ways.

Multiple-use needles that aren’t disinfected or cleaned between herds are common ways to spread the disease. Hose flies, stable flies, deer flies and lice may carry it.

Hanzlicek said the parasite starves the body of oxygen. The organism can cause anemia and respiratory issues. It does not respond to modern-day antibiotics. He advises livestock producers to be cautious when bringing new cattle into their herds.

The long-horned tick has not yet been found in Kansas, but it has been detected in neighboring states including Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Read more about the red blood parasite detected in a Kansas cattle herd here.