18/12/2025
ECF (East Coast Fever) in Cattle
East Coast Fever is a fatal tick-borne disease of cattle caused by Theileria parva and transmitted mainly by the brown ear tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus).
Cause & Transmission
✅️Caused by protozoan parasite (Theileria parva)
✅️Spread through infected ticks
✅️Not spread directly from cow to cow
Susceptible Animals
✅️Exotic and crossbred cattle (highly susceptible)
✅️Indigenous cattle may carry mild or subclinical infection
✅️Calves less than 6 months may show partial resistance
Clinical Signs
✅️High fever (40–42°C)
✅️Swollen lymph nodes (parotid, prescapular)
✅️Loss of appetite, depression
✅️Nasal discharge, coughing, breathing difficulty
✅️Diarrhea or constipation
✅️Corneal opacity in late stage
✅️Death may occur within 2–3 weeks
Post-mortem Findings
✅️Enlarged lymph nodes
✅️Pulmonary edema (water-filled lungs)
✅️Enlarged spleen
✅️Ulcers in the digestive tract
Treatment
✅️Buparvaquone or Parvaquone (drug of choice)
Supportive therapy:
✅️Oxytetracycline
✅️Anti-inflammatory drugs
✅️Vitamins & fluids
✅️Early treatment is critical
Prevention & Control
✅️Strict tick control (acaricide dipping/spraying)
✅️ECF vaccination (Infection & Treatment Method – ITM)
✅️Quarantine new animals
✅️Improve housing and pasture management
Key Takeaway
ECF is one of the most dangerous cattle diseases in Africa. Early detection, effective tick control, and vaccination are the pillars of prevention.
If you want, I can also provide:
Short farmer version
Treatment dosage
ECF vs Anaplasmosis comparison
Vaccination protocol
Just let me know
✍️ Dr. Livestock DVM
