BREAKING: Deadly Cattle Disease Detected in Cayo 

A deadly cattle disease has been detected in the Cayo District. A release from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) says that anaplasmosis, an infectious disease that is transmitted primarily by ticks and the re-use of blood-contaminated equipment such as needles, has been detected. 

“We are aware of cattle mortality in the Cayo District and that we have been actively monitoring and supporting the farmers in the affected areas.” 

The disease can affect cattle of all ages, with increased severity in poorly nourished, pregnant, nursing, or older animals. The risk of infection is higher when noninfected cattle are mixed with infected ones and when conditions favour biting flies and ticks.

Symptoms of anaplasmosis include weakness, weight loss, increased aggression, difficulty breathing, abortion, and anaemia, which may cause yellowing or paleness of the mucous membranes and thin, watery blood.

The situation in western Belize is currently contained and under active surveillance, not constituting an animal health emergency at this time.