Are Brahman and crossbred cattle at risk?
Yes. These cattle have some resistance to tick fever but they can still die from the disease. Out of 1100 outbreaks recorded by DPI&F, 20% occurred in these breeds. Pure Bos indicus cattle, and crossbreds with at least one-third Bos indicus content, are more resistant to babesiosis than British and European breeds – but all breeds are susceptible to anaplasmosis. Bos indicus and crossbreds develop a strong resistance to ticks and, in times of drought, the threat of tick fever in these breeds can virtually disappear. The risk of tick fever will rise if tick numbers increase as a result of better seasonal conditions or with reduction of the Bos indicus content.
