Current anaplasmosis control techniques in the United States

A card test for detecting anaplasmosis, along with the complement-fixation test, has proved useful in identifying carrier animals. This identification, associated with treatment with tetracyclines, has been a basis for control in the southeast where anaplasmosis is endemic. The tetracyclines are used parenterally (terramycin 11 mg/kg, 10-14 days) or orally (2,2 to 11 mg/kg, 45-60 days). Notwithstanding these methods, anaplasmosis remains a problem and many animals require treatment to moderate the course of acute infection. A new drug, T-200 (a long-lasting terramycin), has been tested and found effective in treating acute infections (20 mg/kg, 1 time) and in cleaning carrier infections (20 mg/kg, 2 times at a 7-day interval). For several years, a killed adjuvant vaccine was extensively used to control anaplasmosis. The occurrence of neonatal isohemolytic anaemia in association with this vaccine has discouraged its use. This vaccine is still being marketed, but is usually used on selected animals. An attenuated Anaplasma vaccine of ovine origin has been developed, but is not licensed for use in the United States although it has been successfully used elsewhere.