RELATÓRIO DE ESTÁGIO CURRICULAR SUPERVISIONADO - SURTO DE TRISTEZA PARASITÁRIA BOVINA: RELATO DE CASO

Abstract

Bovine Parasitic Sadness (BPS) is a disease of major sanitary and economic importance in dairy cattle production, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to report an outbreak of BPS in a dairy farm operating under a freestall confinement system, describing the clinical findings, laboratory results, therapeutic management, and control measures adopted. The outbreak affected 12 lactating cows from the first production group, with rapid clinical progression and two initial deaths. Clinical signs included hyperthermia, pale mucous membranes, apathy, dehydration, and a marked decrease in milk yield. The significant presence of ticks and the recent access of the animals to a previously unused paddock directed the investigation toward hemoparasitic infections. The mean hematocrit value of 14% confirmed severe anemia, and blood smear examination revealed Anaplasma marginale, establishing the diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis. The outbreak was associated with enzootic instability resulting from the sudden exposure of confined adult animals to a high tick challenge. The instituted treatment, combined with strategic tick control and the adoption of proper sanitary management practices, was essential to contain disease spread. This case highlights the importance of careful differential diagnosis, integrated ectoparasite control, and sanitary planning in preventing BPS in intensive dairy production systems.