Estimation of economic loss associated with anaplasmosis in California beef cattle.

On the basis of questionnaire surveys and personal interviews with veterinarians, ranchers, and livestock farm advisors, the seriousness of anaplasmosis in California was determined. In 1976, the economic loss due to anaplasmosis in the study sample of beef cattle was $2,203,150. When inferences were made from the sample population to include the whole population of beef cattle, this loss was estimated to be $5,244,319. These values were in contrast to a farm advisors' estimate of $11 million loss due to anaplasmosis, which was included in a total estimated loss of $300 million due to all livestock diseases of economic importance in California. It appeared that anaplasmosis, although having a substantial economic impact in California, is not as economically devastating as it was once thought to be. It was concluded that private programs currently in use (vaccination and treatment) are sufficient to control anaplasmosis.