Bovine babesiosis
Also called Redwater, tick fever (Babesia)
A tick-borne disease of cattle and buffalo in which parasites destroy red blood cells. It causes high fever, anaemia, jaundice and red-brown urine, and can kill quickly.
Cause and spread
- Cause
- Protozoal parasites of the genus Babesia, mainly Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina.
- How it spreads
- By the bite of one-host cattle ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus and relatives). Signs usually appear 2 to 3 weeks after an infected tick bite. Animals that recover can stay carriers.
Signs to watch for
- High fever (often above 41 °C), weakness and loss of appetite
- Pale or yellow gums from anaemia and jaundice
- Red-brown urine (haemoglobinuria)
- Fall in milk yield and rapid weight loss
- Nervous signs and collapse with Babesia bovis
- Abortion in late pregnancy; temporary infertility in bulls
Many diseases look alike. Only a laboratory test can tell them apart, so please see a veterinarian for any sick animal.
How it is diagnosed
Parasites are found in Giemsa-stained blood smears. Babesia bovis is easier to find in capillary blood from the ear or tail. PCR detects the genes of Babesia and helps in carriers and mild cases.
- Usually the first testBlood Smear ExaminationLooks for Babesia inside red blood cells.
- Usually the first testBasic Haemoparasite Panel (CBC + Blood Smear) (panel)Blood count and blood smear together.
- Confirms the diseaseBovine Haemoparasite PCR ProfileDetects Babesia, Anaplasma, Theileria and Trypanosoma genes in one test.
- Supports the diagnosisComplete Blood Count (CBC)Shows how severe the anaemia is.
Prevention and control
- Control ticks on animals and in the environment
- Check animals regularly for ticks and fever in the tick season
- Cattle are vaccinated against babesiosis in some countries; ask your veterinarian about local options
Where this information comes from
- Bovine Babesiosis (factsheet) · Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University
- Babesiosis in Animals · Merck Veterinary Manual
General information for animal owners and veterinarians, last checked October 2026. It does not replace the advice of your veterinarian, who should decide which tests and treatment your animal needs.