Chemo-immunization of ruminants againstBabesia, Anaplasma, Theileria andCowdria species

Abstract

Current approaches to the procedure and clinical use of chemoimmunization to control babesiosis, anaplasmosis, theileriosis and heartwater in ruminants are discussed. The procedures comprise artificial infection of susceptible animals with more or less virulent strains of the causative parasites and subsequent or simultaneous treatment with an appropriate drug to moderate the reactions to the parasites. It is proposed that chemo-immunization be routinely carried out in the tropics as a method of immunizing susceptible cattle against these haemotropic infections before exposure to natural infection in the field. The method is particularly suitable for introduction of susceptible cattle into an enzootic area alongside an adequate tick control programme.