By Scout Nelson
Cattle producers in Nebraska are being urged to watch closely for signs of Theileria, a tick-borne disease that has recently been detected in imported cattle across the state. The warning comes as ranchers continue to face challenges from drought, wildfires, and livestock health concerns.
In May, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture alerted producers after cases of Theileria were identified in 10 feedlots and three breeding herds. The disease had not been reported in Nebraska since July 2025.
Theileria is linked to the Asian longhorned tick, which is commonly found along the East Coast but has not been detected in Nebraska. However, infected cattle brought into the state can carry the disease. It may also spread through practices such as reusing needles on infected animals or through other blood-feeding parasites.
Affected cattle may show symptoms including anemia, jaundice, weakness, reduced appetite, and exercise intolerance. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal, creating potential financial losses for producers.
Reynolds, a veterinarian with more than three decades of experience, emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures. “Biosecurity is a very big thing. Keep those animals isolated, observe them really closely, keep them away from your native animals for an extended time period,” Reynolds said.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture advises ranchers to regularly inspect cattle for ticks and monitor imported animals closely. Suspected cases must be reported to state or federal officials, and testing is available through the Nebraska Extension Diagnostic Center, the state's only USDA-approved lab for Theileria testing.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock