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Seen it in a 5month calf. Merck: Collostral protection to ~6months.
''Babesia'' is a '''protozoan parasite '''that is transmitted by the [[Ixodes spp.|''Ixodidae'']] family of '''hard [[:Category:Ticks|ticks]]'''.
''Babesia'' is a '''protozoan parasite '''that is transmitted by the [[Ixodes spp.|''Ixodidae'']] family of '''hard [[:Category:Ticks|ticks]]'''.
It is prevalent in the UK and worldwide with different species of ticks involved in different regions of the world. Unlike some other protozoal diseases, adults are most severely affected, with calves less than 9 months of age being refractory to the disease entirely.
It is prevalent in the UK and worldwide with different species of ticks involved in different regions of the world. Unlike some other protozoal diseases, adults are most severely affected, with calves less than 9 months of age being refractory to the disease.
The epidemiology of the disease is determined by the number of infected ticks seeking a blood meal at that time. Protective immunity can be achieved from dams that have a carrier state. Cattle can become clinically infected though, without showing any clinical signs and this usually occurs at a young age. If calves less than 9 months are affected, no clinical signs will usually be seen and these cattle will then develop and immunity for life. In tick infested regions, most cattle become immune as calves and clinical disease is rarely seen on such farms. In some cattle, immunity may wane when re-infection does not occur for a long period.
The epidemiology of the disease is determined by the number of infected ticks seeking a blood meal at that time. Protective immunity can be achieved from dams that have a carrier state. Cattle can become clinically infected though, without showing any clinical signs and this usually occurs at a young age. If calves less than 9 months are affected, no clinical signs will usually be seen and these cattle will then develop and immunity for life. In tick infested regions, most cattle become immune as calves and clinical disease is rarely seen on such farms. In some cattle, immunity may wane when re-infection does not occur for a long period.