Farm Progress America, September 6, 2024

Mike Pearson takes a look at a new vaccine announcement from the University of Missouri.

Researchers developed the first vaccine for bovine anaplasmosis, a tick borne disease. This is groundbreaking strides for the cattle industry.

Bovine anaplasmosis — which is common in Missouri — infects the red blood cells of cattle and causes hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses nationwide each year and nearly $1 billion in losses worldwide, primarily due to reduced cattle production, treatment costs and deaths.

The cost comes from reduced cattle production and high treatment costs.

By genetically modifying the pathogen responsible for anaplasmosis, the researchers created the vaccine. The process deleted a certain gene in the pathogen.

The vaccine allows for immunity for at least one month with more research ongoing.

Historically, the disease was treated with antibiotics.

The incidence of the disease has increased in the past few years, making this discovery even more important.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .