The fever stage usually lasts about a week. Animal isolates itself from the herd, is disinclined to move and stands with head lowered and ears drooping. Coat may appear ruffled, breathing becomes rapid and jerky and the heart beat is accelerated. The mucous membranes of eyes, nose and mouth become yellow due to anaemia and jaundice. Animal shows incoordination of the hindquarters with muscle shivering and a tendency to charge when disturbed.
Animal passes red coloured urine.
Most deaths occur in the third week, but may occur any time after 24 hours of infection. Death may be precipitated by exertion or excitement. You are advised to contact your local stock inspector or veterinarian if you suspect that you have tick fever. By carrying out a post-mortem they will be able to definitely diagnose the presence of tick fever in your herd. These symptoms vary with acuteness and severity of the disease.