Anaplasmosis in cattle in Italy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is tick-borne and endemic in Southern Italy.
• Epidemiological patterns are shifting, leading to the expansion of anaplasmosis into previously unaffected regions.
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum, also tick-transmitted, affects cattle, small ruminants, and wildlife, causing economic losses and human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the current distribution of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum across Italy.
• To analyze the epidemiological changes influencing the spread of these tick-borne pathogens.
• To provide updated data on Anaplasma infections in various Italian regions.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of published reports on anaplasmosis in Italy.
• Inclusion of data from the National Centre of Reference for Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia and Theileria (C.R.A.Ba.R.T.).
• Review of studies on tick vectors, animal reservoirs, and geographical prevalence.

Main Results:

• Anaplasma marginale infections were identified in multiple Italian regions, including Lazio, Marche, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Lombardy, Tuscany, Umbria, and Sicily.
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum prevalence spans the entire Italian territory, from the Alps to southern and insular regions.
• Both pathogens are transmitted by ticks, with A. phagocytophilum also impacting milk production in cattle.

Conclusions:

• Anaplasmosis is expanding its geographical range in Italy due to changing environmental and social factors.
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum exhibits a broader distribution throughout Italy compared to Anaplasma marginale.
• Continued surveillance and research are crucial for managing tick-borne diseases in Italy.