Tick Fever in Dogs and Cattle: A Monsoon Alert for Jharkhand

Every year, as the monsoon arrives in Jharkhand, veterinary clinics see a sharp rise in tick fever cases — in pet dogs, stray animals, and cattle alike. The warm, humid conditions create ideal breeding grounds for ticks, turning what seems like a minor bite into a life-threatening illness. If you are a pet owner or a farmer in Lohardaga or the surrounding region, understanding tick fever before it strikes can save your animal's life.

What Is Tick Fever?

Tick fever is a group of infections transmitted through tick bites. Common pathogens in dogs include Babesia canis (babesiosis) and Anaplasma platys (anaplasmosis). In cattle, Theileria, Babesia bigemina, and Anaplasma marginale are the main culprits.

High fever (above 104°F / 40°C)

Lethargy and loss of appetite

Pale or yellowish gums (anaemia)

Swollen lymph nodes

In severe cases, red or dark urine (haemoglobinuria)

High fever (above 104°F)

Drop in milk production

Loss of body condition

Pale mucous membranes

In severe cases, red or dark urine (haemoglobinuria)

Tick fever is treatable when caught in time. For dogs, treatment includes antiparasitic injections (imidocarb dipropionate or diminazene aceturate for babesiosis), doxycycline for anaplasmosis, and supportive care including IV fluids. For cattle, buparvaquone or parvaquone is used for theileriosis, and diminazene aceturate for bovine babesiosis. Animals treated within 48-72 hours of symptom onset have far better outcomes.

Use veterinarian-approved tick control products — spot-on treatments, tick collars, and acaricide sprays.

Inspect animals regularly, especially around the ears, neck, between the toes, and under the tail.

Keep animal housing clean and dry. Clear vegetation around cattle sheds and dog kennels.

Remove ticks promptly using tweezers — grasp close to the skin, pull steadily upward.

Maintain a regular deworming and vaccination schedule throughout the monsoon season.

Do not delay a vet visit if multiple ticks are found or fever develops within weeks of exposure.

Monsoon Alert for Lohardaga & Jharkhand

If your dog or cattle show any signs of fever this monsoon, act within 24 hours. Rohit Veterinary House offers in-clinic treatment and online video consultation via app.rohitveterinary.com.

Call: +91-88094-26652 | rohitveterinary.com | Lohardaga, Jharkhand