Theileria

annulata Theileria annulata is a parasitic protozoan that affects various species of ungulates, mainly cattle. It is the causative agent of East Coast Fever, an economically significant disease in Africa. T. annulata is transmitted to hosts by ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus, which act as vectors. The parasite undergoes both asexual and sexual reproduction in the tick and the bovine host, respectively. It causes severe destructive changes in the host's white blood cells, which can lead to fever, progressive anemia, and ultimately death. Control measures for T. annulata involve reducing tick populations and using antimalarial drugs that are effective against the parasite. Vaccines are also available for the prevention of East Coast Fever in livestock.