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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(5); doi: 10.3390/ani12050637

Effects of Competitive ELISA-Positive Results of Piroplasmosis on the Performance of Endurance Horses.

Abstract: Endurance is an increasingly popular equestrian sport. However, in southern Europe, there is a high prevalence of horses that are asymptomatic carriers of equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease that could affect their performance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and influence of EP on the performance of endurance horses. Blood samples were collected from 40 horses in Extremadura, Spain, before and after a race, in different national elite horse endurance competitions. Hematological and biochemical parameters and EP seroprevalence were analysed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The global seroprevalence of EP was 70%, with 27 horses testing positive for Theileria equi (67.5%) and three (7.5%) for Babesia caballi, with two of these horses (5%) positive for both. Approximately 82.5% of the horses (33 of 40) completed the competition, with no influence on performance or position achieved in those with subclinical parasitosis. There were also no significant differences in hematological or biochemical values between seropositive and seronegative horses. The data suggest that horses without clinical signs of EP can participate without performance impairment in competitions of up to 80 km. Although it is recommended that longer distance competitions should be further evaluated, this is the first step for decision-making by organizers and participants in this sport.
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Publication Date: 2022-03-03 PubMed ID: 35268210PubMed Central: PMC8909285DOI: 10.3390/ani12050637Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research is a study that reports that asymptomatic carriers of equine piroplasmosis, a common tick-borne disease in southern Europe, can participate in endurance horse racing without visible impact on their performance.

Introduction and Objective

The research investigates the effects of equine piroplasmosis on endurance horse racing. Equine piroplasmosis is a prevalent, tick-borne disease that infects horses in southern Europe. The aim was to assess if asymptomatic carriers of this disease show any diminished racing performance, providing insights into their suitability for equestrian endurance sports.

Methodology

  • Blood samples of 40 horses in Extremadura, Spain were collected before and after a race. These horses participated in various national elite horse endurance competitions.
  • Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated, along with the seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis. Seroprevalence was determined using a technique known as a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  • The results of seropositive horses (those testing positive for EP) were compared to seronegative horses to compare performance and health metrics.

Results

  • Global seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis was 70% among the test sample, with 27 horses testing positive for one type of parasite and three testing positive for another. Two horses tested positive for both.
  • Notably, 82.5% of the competing horses (33 out of 40) finished the competition, showing no discernible impact on performance or ranking due to the subclinical parasitosis.
  • No significant differences were observed in the hematological or biochemical parameters across seropositive and seronegative horses, indicating that having EP didn’t affect these aspects of health.

Conclusion

According to the study findings, asymptomatic carriers of equine piroplasmosis can compete in endurance races up to 80 km without any apparent performance impairment. For competitions involving longer distances, further research is recommended. These discoveries are beneficial to event organizers and participants, as they inform decision-making with regards to horse health and selection.

Cite This Article

APA
Bravo-Barriga D, Serrano-Aguilera FJ, Barrasa-Rita R, Habela MÁ, Chacón RB, Ezquerra LJ, Martín-Cuervo M. (2022). Effects of Competitive ELISA-Positive Results of Piroplasmosis on the Performance of Endurance Horses. Animals (Basel), 12(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050637

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 5

Researcher Affiliations

Bravo-Barriga, Daniel
  • Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Serrano-Aguilera, Francisco J
  • Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Barrasa-Rita, Rafael
  • Animal Medicine Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Habela, Miguel Ángel
  • Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Chacón, Rafael Barrera
  • Animal Medicine Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Ezquerra, Luis Javier
  • Animal Medicine Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Martín-Cuervo, María
  • Animal Medicine Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.

Grant Funding

  • grant number 21085 / Government of Extremadura
  • GR21122 / the European Regional Development Funds "Una manera de hacer Europa"

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

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