Serologic and molecular prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in Missouri beef herds

To estimate the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in Missouri beef cow-calf herds.

Participating herd owners authorized their local veterinarian to collect and submit serum and whole blood for Anaplasma marginale competitive ELISA and quantitative PCR, respectively, from apparently healthy adult beef cows. Herd owners also completed a questionnaire to describe herd characteristics and management. Meta-analysis of single proportions was performed to estimate within-herd and pooled serologic and molecular prevalence with 95% binomial CIs.

A total of 908 serum samples paired with 757 whole blood samples were received from 59 herds in 34 Missouri counties. Antibodies to Anaplasma spp were detected in 441 of 908 samples, with an estimated pooled seroprevalence of 46.5% (95% CI, 37.9% to 55.3%). Anaplasma marginale DNA was detected by quantitative PCR in 323 of 757 samples, with an estimated pooled molecular prevalence of 40.7% (95% CI, 29.3% to 53.2%). Many producers reported management practices that are likely to increase disease risk, such as reusing needles, not disinfecting castration and dehorning equipment between cattle, and introducing new cattle without testing for common infectious diseases.

Subclinical bovine anaplasmosis is prevalent among adult beef cows in Missouri, as it is in neighboring states.

Bovine anaplasmosis significantly impacts the welfare and productivity of beef cattle. Our study highlights the need for continuing education of beef cow-calf producers on practices to reduce transmission of anaplasmosis and other infectious diseases in their herds.