Theileria orientalis, a blood parasite of cattle. First report in New Zealand

Authors: Uilenberg G, Saunders BW, Brookbanks EO, Guy LA, Charleston WAG, James MP
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 32, Issue 9, pp 154-156, Sep 1984
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Parasites - blood borne, Disease/defect, Disease transmission, Epidemiology, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, New hosts/new diseases, Parasites - external, Protozoa, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Infectious disease
Article class: Clinical Communication

---

Abstract: A Theileria sp. piroplasm has been found in cattle from 10 Northland herds. Transmission studies, involving two splenectomized calves, led to its identification as T. orientalis, which has not been previously found in New Zealand. This piroplasm is relatively benign hut can cause severe anaemia in heavily parasitized animals. The cattle tick Haemuphysalis longicomis is considered to be the likely vector.

---