If you own cattle in North Carolina, this publication will assist you in maintaining the health and productivity of your cattle. The intent of this pamphlet is to make cattle owners aware of this potentially severe infectious disease. Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease of cattle, sheep and goats. The disease can be acute or chronic in nature.
Infection is more common in beef cattle than it is in dairy cattle.
Anaplasmosis does not infect humans. This organism is a member of the Rickettsia family of disease-causing agents. Anaplasmosis is spread by the bite of the common horsefly, other biting insects, or any instrument which can transmit blood. This disease is found worldwide and in the United States is most common in the southeastern, gulf coast, lower plains, and western states. From historical information and laboratory testing, the central and eastern parts of North Carolina have the highest rates of anaplasmosis infected cattle within the state.