East Coast fever

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Theileria-parva-kinete

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Brisket-edema-theileriosis

East Coast Fever (ECF) is a lethal disease affecting cattle, caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria parva. It is transmitted by the tick species Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. The disease is prevalent in the eastern and central parts of Africa, where it poses a significant threat to the livestock industry, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on cattle for their income and food security.

Etiology

East Coast Fever is caused by Theileria parva, a parasite that invades the lymphocytes of cattle. The lifecycle of T. parva involves both the cattle and the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, making control measures challenging. The disease is characterized by high fever, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory distress, and high mortality rates if left untreated.

Transmission

The primary vector for T. parva is the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, which becomes infected by feeding on cattle harboring the parasite. The infected ticks then transmit the parasite to other cattle through their bites. The lifecycle of T. parva involves a complex interaction between the ticks and the cattle, making the disease highly dependent on the presence of the vector.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of East Coast Fever include high fever, lymph node enlargement, labored breathing, and sometimes nervous symptoms due to the spread of parasites to the brain. Diagnosis is typically made through microscopic examination of blood or lymph node biopsy samples, where the presence of the parasite can be confirmed.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of East Coast Fever involve a combination of strategies, including tick control through the use of acaricides, management practices that reduce cattle exposure to tick-infested areas, and vaccination. The infection and treatment method (ITM), where cattle are intentionally infected with a controlled dose of T. parva and treated with antibiotics, has been used as a form of vaccination.

Vaccination

Vaccination against East Coast Fever is challenging due to the complexity of the T. parva parasite. However, live vaccines, which involve the use of live attenuated strains of T. parva, have shown promise in providing immunity to cattle against the disease. Ongoing research aims to develop more effective and safer vaccines.

Economic Impact

East Coast Fever has a significant economic impact on affected regions, causing high mortality in infected cattle, reduced milk production, and loss of draught power. The disease is a major constraint on cattle production and improvement in affected areas, leading to economic losses for farmers and communities.

Research and Future Directions

Research into East Coast Fever focuses on understanding the biology of T. parva, developing effective vaccines, and improving tick control methods. Advances in molecular biology and genomics are contributing to the development of novel control strategies and vaccines against the disease.

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