Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What concern arises from finding Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks in Florida cattle?

1. This tick might carry Lyme disease

2. This tick might carry heartwater disease

3. This tick might carry bovine anaplasmosis

4. This tick might carry East Coast fever

The correct answer is: This tick might carry East Coast fever

The concern that arises from finding Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks in Florida cattle is primarily linked to their association with East Coast fever. This disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria parva, is transmitted through the bites of infected Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks. East Coast fever is a significant concern for cattle herds due to its potential for high morbidity and mortality, particularly in susceptible populations. East Coast fever affects cattle health and productivity, leading to severe economic losses in the livestock industry. Its presence in Florida raises alarms about the risk of an outbreak, especially considering the importance of cattle farming in the region. This highlights the significance of biosecurity measures and monitoring tick populations to mitigate the risks associated with exotic and emerging diseases. While the other diseases mentioned may be carried by different tick species or have other vectors, they are less directly associated with Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, thus not posing the same level of immediate concern in the context of this tick's presence in Florida cattle.