2 cases of 'potentially dangerous' disease found in Kentucky cattle

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two cases of a "potentially dangerous" disease were detected in Kentucky cattle, according to the state's veterinarian.

Theileria, which is typically carried by the Asian Longhorned tick, was diagnosed in beef herds in Fleming and Hart counties. In both cases, a beef breed bull became ill and then died.

Though the disease is a threat to cattle, it does not affect humans. Humans cannot become sick from the disease by eating meat or coming in contact with the affected cattle.

In Theileria, a tick infects the red and white blood cells, causing severe anemia in cattle. It can also cause abortions, still births, weakness, reluctance to walk and death, according to a news release.

Once an animal becomes infected with the disease, it is a carrier, which can affect other cattle in the herd. There is no treatment or vaccine for the disease.

The tick has previously been found in Boone, Metcalfe, Floyd, Martin, Madison, Breathitt, and Perry counties. Officials believe the tick is present and undetected in more counties. The tick is known to attach to livestock, wildlife, dogs, cats, birds and humans.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has several protocols in place to keep cattle safe during the Kentucky State Fair.

"The health and safety of all animals entering the Kentucky State Fair, along with any other large animal event, is of utmost importance to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture," the department said in a statement. "Protecting the health of livestock in the commonwealth is a top priority of the Department, along with those coming in from other states for these types of events."

Any farmers or cattle owners who want to submit tick or cattle blood samples for Theileria testing, are asked to contact Kentucky Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Kerry Barling at kerry.Barling@ky.gov or 502-782-5921.