Molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases affecting horses in Poland-Own observations.

This study tackled the examination of horse populations in Poland for evidence of tick-borne diseases, specifically piroplasmosis, anaplasmosis, and lyme borreliosis. Although the incidence noted was less than those in different parts of Europe, the results highlighted that these diseases are present and should be considered during differential diagnoses.

Objective of the Study

• The principal objective of this research was to conduct a molecular surveillance or genetic test to detect possible tick-borne diseases that affect horses. Specifically, the study focused on piroplasmosis, granulocytic anaplasmosis, and lyme borreliosis, which are all diseases prevalent in Poland.

Methodology

• The study examined a sample of horses (for Theileria equi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, n=512; for Borrelia burgdorferi, n=204) that exhibited symptoms suggesting possible infestation by these diseases.
• The presence of the diseases was detected by identifying the genetic material related to each disease. This is a commonly used method for identifying tick-borne diseases in horses.

Results

• Theileria equi genetic material was found in 37 horses, constituting 7.2% of the examined horses.
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 9 horses, representing 1.8% of the sample population.
• The DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi was found in 11 out of the 204 horses tested for that particular pathogen, which is equivalent to 5.4%.

Significance

• The detected rates indicate that the prevalence of these specific tick-borne diseases in horses in Poland is comparatively lower than that in other areas of Europe.
• Despite this, the presence of these diseases is still substantial, and as such, suggesting the importance of considering these diseases for differential diagnosis in cases presenting with lethargy, fever, anaemia, and thrombocytopenia in horses.