Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by bacteria affecting red blood cells in ruminants including cattle. While livestock of all ages can be infected with the illness, it is rarely fatal to the young, but quite serious in adult animals. It can cause abortion, weakness, rapid weight loss, and even death. Anaplasmosis is contracted by either biting horse flies or ticks as well as via dehorning, needles, as well as surgical or tattoo instruments if the equipment is not properly cleaned after each use. The disease is on the rise and found throughout Kansas including Barton and Ellis counties. Education and proper practices are key to keeping your cattle healthy.

On Dec. 18, the Cottonwood Extension District will host an Anaplasmosis and safe vaccine handling program in both Ellis and Barton counties. Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM from KSU College of Veterinary Medicine will discuss what you need to know about Anaplasmosis and how to prevent it in your herd. I will also talk about vaccines and how to safely handle and administer to your livestock.

In Great Bend the program is set at the American Ag Credit building at 5634 10th St. from 8:30-10 a.m. Following in Hays the program will be presented from noon to 2 p.m. at the Ellis Co. Extension office at 601 Main St. Please RSVP to me at 620-793-1910 for either program to insure enough program materials are available. Snacks and a noon meal will be provided by the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, you can contact me by calling 620-793-1910, by email at aboor@ksu.edu or just drop by the office located at 1800 12th St. in Great Bend. 

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.