A sero-epidemiological survey of equine piroplasmosis in the northern and eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa.

This research looked into the prevalence of antibodies to two types of Babesia in yearling Thoroughbred horses in the Northern and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. The findings indicated that a significant number of horses had these antibodies, although the prevalence did not correlate with the areas known to have tick vectors, and male colts showed a significantly higher rate of antibodies against one type of Babesia.

Background of the Study

• The study was conducted between September and November 1995.
• The focus of the study was yearling Thoroughbred horses in Colesberg, Venterstad, and Wodehouse in the Northern and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa.
• Equine piroplasmosis, a blood disease in horses caused by parasites Babesia equi and Babesia caballi, was the primary research focus.

Methods of the Study

• 176 serum samples were collected from the horses. These samples were tested for antibodies against the two Babesia types.
• An indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to check for these specific antibodies.

Findings of the Study

• The prevalence of serum antibodies in the three districts combined was between 47% and 61% for B. equi, and 26% to 40% for B. caballi.
• These rates did not correspond with the known distributions of the tick vectors (Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi and Hyalomma truncatum), which typically transmit the parasites.

Significant Observations

• Male colts had a statistically higher prevalence of antibodies against B. caballi than female fillies.
• There was no detectable difference in antibody prevalence between colts and fillies for B. equi.