By Blake Jackson
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing the first-ever vaccine to protect cattle from bovine anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease that significantly impacts the livestock industry. This disease is particularly prevalent in Missouri and causes severe economic losses nationwide and globally, primarily due to reduced cattle production, treatment costs, and cattle deaths. The new vaccine aims to safeguard Missouri’s $1.6 billion cattle industry from this devastating disease.
Bovine anaplasmosis affects the red blood cells of cattle, leading to decreased productivity and high costs for farmers. The research, led by Professor Roman Ganta, involved genetically modifying the pathogen responsible for the disease, Anaplasma marginale, to create a vaccine. The vaccine, tested on cattle, successfully provided protection against the disease by injecting the modified pathogen, showing promise for wider application.
Ganta, who has over 30 years of experience in molecular genetics and vector-borne diseases, has received significant funding from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is part of Mizzou’s MizzouForward initiative, which aims to enhance faculty, infrastructure, and student success. His research not only benefits Missouri’s agricultural economy but also contributes to global efforts to control tick-borne diseases in cattle.
The new vaccine offers protection for at least a month, and further research will determine its long-term effectiveness. Ganta and his team are collaborating with industry partners to distribute the vaccine to cattle producers. This vaccine is part of ongoing efforts at Mizzou, a leader in tick research. Previous studies from the university have identified the spread of tick-borne diseases in the Midwest and documented the invasive longhorned tick, helping to improve public health responses.
This breakthrough vaccine marks an important step toward protecting cattle from a major economic threat, providing farmers with a potential solution to a longstanding problem.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle