1 Jul 2013

Farmers warned of spreading cattle parasite

2:03 pm on 1 July 2013

Vets are advising farmers to be on the look out for a cattle parasite which has been spreading south from its usual habitats in Northland.

Theileria has been in New Zealand since about 1982 and is spread by cattle ticks and possibly by biting flies.

The president of the dairy cattle veterinarians society, Dr Neil MacPherson, said there have been cases diagnosed in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Dr Neil MacPherson said infected cattle become anaemic and in severe cases they may die.