Diagnostic Tool Represents Bovine Theileriosis Breakthrough
AUSTRALIA – An Australian scientist has found a way of diagnosing and monitoring Bovine Theileriosis (BT).
12 June 2014
1 minute read
A diagnostic tool claiming to be fast acting and cost-effective will allow for regular monitoring of BT, according to the inventor, Dr Abdul Jabbar of the University of Melbourne.
Federal Government awards funded the study which aimed to improve the understanding of the tick-borne disease.
Prevalent in Australia, Bovine Theileriosis has no treatment or vaccines for Australian farmers but Dr Abdul Jabbar’s study has found a diagnostic tool while improving understanding on how BT impacts milk production and reproduction.
“In 2011 we were approached by a senior veterinarian to investigate an outbreak of haemolytic anemia in beef cattle near Seymour, Victoria. In this study, we found that the outbreak was associated with pathogenic strains of Theileria orientalis - the causative agent of BT in Australia and first time reported theileriosis in Victoria,” Dr Jabbar said.
"Very little was known about the epidemiology, diagnosis and economic impact of theileriosis, therefore we decided to investigate," he added.
Dairy Australia Manufacturing Capability and Innovation Program Manager Dr Mani Iyer said: “Dr Jabbar’s research into BT can have a real impact on the future of the dairy industry. Dairy Australia is proud to support young innovative talent.”
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