Belizean agricultural authorities have issued an urgent health advisory following confirmation of a dangerous tick-borne disease outbreak affecting cattle herds in the Cayo District. The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), confirmed multiple cases of anaplasmosis—commonly known as tick fever—after conducting blood tests on animals from two farms in the El Pilar region.
Laboratory results indicate active transmission of the disease, prompting officials to declare a localized outbreak that requires immediate intervention. The bacterial infection, transmitted primarily through tick bites, poses significant threats to cattle health and farming productivity.
Agricultural experts emphasize that early detection remains paramount for containing the disease’s spread. Farmers are being instructed to vigilantly monitor their herds for clinical symptoms including severe anemia, progressive weakness, noticeable weight loss, and declining milk production.
The Ministry and BAHA have mandated the implementation of comprehensive tick management protocols without delay. Cattle owners are advised to consult directly with government Extension Officers or BAHA veterinary professionals for approved treatment regimens and preventive strategies. Authorities stress strict adherence to official guidance to mitigate further transmission risks within the region’s agricultural sector.