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Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics)1990; 9(4); 1187-1194;

Haemoparasites of equines: impact on international trade of horses.

Abstract: The geographical distribution of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi and their tick vectors is discussed. Control of infections with these protozoa is hampered by the lack of a suitable antiprotozoal drug and a reliable serological test. No vaccine is available. Ehrlichia risticii (the causal agent of Potomac horse fever) and E. equi are rickettsial parasites which are difficult to control. Little is known of their geographical distribution and vectors. Early diagnosis is required for tetracycline therapy to be effective and there is a need for a rapid test to provide an early diagnosis.
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Publication Date: 1990-12-01 PubMed ID: 2132711
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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.

This research paper studies the geographical distribution of different blood parasites in horses and their impacts on international horse trade. The paper also emphasizes the challenges in controlling these infections due to the absence of suitable treatment options, effective diagnosis tools, and vaccination protocols.

Distribution of Blood Parasites in Horses

  • The paper examines the geographical distribution of blood parasites in horses – particularly Babesia equi and Babesia caballi. These are protozoa or single-celled organisms that can cause significant illness in horses.
  • The manner in which these parasites are transmitted by ticks is discussed in depth. This is an important aspect of understanding the spread and management of parasitic infections in these animals.

Control of Protozoal Infections

  • Controlling these infections is a significant challenge due to the lack of effective antiprotozoal drugs. These drugs inhibit the growth of protozoa and hence, are crucial for fighting these infections.
  • The paper further indicates the absence of a reliable serological test for detecting these parasites. Serological tests involve analyzing blood serum for the presence of particular antibodies produced in response to an infection.
  • The article also underscores the fact that there’s no vaccine available to immunize horses against these parasites, which further complicates the treatment and disease management.

Rickettsial Parasites: Ehrlichia

  • Apart from the protozoal infections, the research also covers rickettsial parasites, which are a different type of pathogens that invade and live within the cells of their hosts.
  • Ehrlichia risticii, which causes Potomac horse fever, and E. equi are discussed. These pathogens are notoriously difficult to control, largely due to a lack of knowledge about their geographical distribution and vectors.

Need for Early Diagnosis

  • For tetracycline therapy (a type of antibiotic treatment) to be effective against these types of infections, early diagnosis is crucial.
  • As such, the researchers call for the development of a rapid, effective test that can provide early diagnosis of these parasitic infections. This would improve the efficacy of antibiotic treatments and could significantly reduce fatalities and disease progression.

Impact on International Horse Trade

  • The blood parasites can have a significant impact on the international trade of horses. Infected horses pose a risk of spreading the parasites across borders, thereby affecting both animal and public health, leading to economic losses.
  • The paper suggests that further study of these parasites and the development of more effective treatment measures are urgently needed to mitigate their impact on the international horse trade.

Cite This Article

APA
Friedhoff KT, Tenter AM, Müller I. (1990). Haemoparasites of equines: impact on international trade of horses. Rev Sci Tech, 9(4), 1187-1194.

Publication

Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics)
ISSN: 0253-1933
NlmUniqueID: 8712301
Country: France
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Pages: 1187-1194

Researcher Affiliations

Friedhoff, K T
  • Institute of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover, Federal Republic of Germany.
Tenter, A M
    Müller, I

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Arachnid Vectors / parasitology
      • Babesia / physiology
      • Babesiosis / epidemiology
      • Babesiosis / prevention & control
      • Babesiosis / transmission
      • Ehrlichiosis / epidemiology
      • Ehrlichiosis / prevention & control
      • Ehrlichiosis / veterinary
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
      • Horse Diseases / transmission
      • Horses
      • Ticks / parasitology

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