What is Babesiosis?

Babesiosis, also known as redwater or tick fever, is a tick-borne disease that affects cattle. Babesiosis is caused by a single-celled parasite that infects red blood cells. The disease is spread between cattle by ticks.

Exposure tends to occur in areas where ticks are commonly found. Tick populations thrive in damp, wooded areas with long grass, especially in regions like the Scottish Highlands and parts of Southern and Northern England where outbreaks have been noted.

Even where disease risk is considered relatively mild, Babesiosis can still have a significant impact on productivity and fertility. Affected cattle may experience lower milk yields, slower weight gain, and long-term fertility issues, all of which can result in economic losses for farmers.

How is Babesiosis transmitted?

The lifecycle of the Babesia parasite involves both the tick and the cattle host. Once an infected tick bites an animal, it transmits the parasite into the bloodstream. The parasite then invades the animal’s red blood cells and begins dividing, eventually rupturing the cells.

Clinical symptoms usually begin around two weeks after infection, which makes close observation and prompt action especially important in at-risk herds.

Symptoms to watch for

Signs of Babesiosis can vary in severity, but some symptoms are especially important to recognise quickly.

• Fever
• Anaemia
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Red urine (haemoglobinuria) — a telltale sign caused by damage to red blood cells
• Jaundice
• In severe cases, death

Prevention strategies

Managing Babesiosis risk focuses on reducing cattle exposure to ticks and monitoring herd health closely. Practical prevention steps can help limit transmission and reduce the impact of disease.

• Implement rotational grazing strategies to minimise exposure in high-risk fields
• Carry out regular tick checks on cattle
• Use preventative treatment when moving cattle into an at-risk area
• Put effective tick management measures in place
• Be aware that there is currently no vaccine available within the UK

Treatment

There is currently no vaccine available within the UK to prevent Babesiosis. However, preventative treatment such as pour-on products can be used to reduce the risk of tick bites.

If detected early, Babesiosis can be treated with specific anti-parasitic medications. Consult your vet for treatment protocols if Babesiosis is suspected in your herd.

How can Herdwatch help?

Good record keeping plays an important role in reducing disease risk and responding quickly when issues arise. Herdwatch helps farmers stay organised and keep important herd health information in one place.

1. Medicine records made easy

Keep on top of all medicine purchases, treatments, and inventory at the press of a button. See what animals have been treated and when to help minimise tick risk and improve traceability.

2. Pasture management in your palm

Map your farm in the app, colour coordinate fields by crop, and assign field notes. This can include simple notes to identify fields which commonly harbour ticks, helping support better grazing decisions.