Detection of Babesia (Theileria) equi (Laveran, 1901) in horses in the Kars province of Turkey.

This research paper investigates the presence of antibodies for Babesia (Theileria) equi, a harmful equine parasite, in horses in the Kars province of Turkey.

Research Objectives and Methods

• The primary objective of this study was to detect the presence of the Babesia (Theileria) equi antibodies in the local breed of horses in the Kars province of Turkey.
• A total of 108 serum samples were collected from seemingly healthy horses across eight different villages within this province.
• These samples were then tested for B. equi antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT).

Results and Findings

• Out of the 108 horses tested, about 25% (or 27 horses) displayed positive results for B. equi antibodies, indicating exposure to the parasite.
• Aydinalan village displayed the highest prevalence of B. equi infection at 50%, whereas the lowest prevalence was found at Bayraktar village, with a seroprevalence of 12.5%.
• The differences in seroprevalence between these two particular villages were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05), pointing to local differences in exposure or susceptibility to B. equi.

Conclusions and Significance

• This research is groundbreaking as it is the first study that investigates the status of B. equi infection across the Kars province in Turkey. This allows for a better understanding of infection prevalence in different rural areas in the province.
• The findings help in understanding the spread of B. equi in the horse population in the region, which could aid in guiding local parasite control measures and policies.