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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Am Vet Med Assoc / Outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association2012; 240(5); 588-595; doi: 10.2460/javma.240.5.588

Outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida.

Abstract: A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was hospitalized in Ocala, Fla, because of lethargy, fever, anorexia, and swelling of distal aspects of the limbs. A tentative diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis (EP) was made on the basis of examination of a blood smear. The case was reported to the Florida State Veterinarian, and infection with Babesia equi was confirmed. The subsequent investigation included quarantine and testing of potentially exposed horses for B equi and Babesia caballi infections, tick surveillance, and owner-agent interviews. Results: 210 horses on 25 premises were tested for infection with EP pathogens. Twenty B equi-infected horses on 7 premises were identified; no horses tested positive for B caballi. Seven horses, including the index case, had clinical findings consistent with EP Dermacentor variabilis was considered the only potential tick vector for B equi collected, and all D variabilis specimens tested negative for Babesia organisms via PCR assay. Results of the epidemiological investigation suggested that B equi was spread by use of shared needles and possibly blood transfusions. All horses that tested positive were involved in nonsanctioned Quarter Horse racing, and management practices were thought to pose substantial risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Results: Final outcome of B equi-infected horses was euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility. Conclusions: This investigation highlights the importance of collaboration between private veterinary practitioners, state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and regulatory officials in the recognition, containment, and eradication of foreign animal disease.
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Publication Date: 2012-02-16 PubMed ID: 22332629DOI: 10.2460/javma.240.5.588Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The study is about an outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida, how it was detected and handled, and the role of collaboration in the management of foreign animal diseases.

Overview of the Study

  • The research was prompted by the case of a 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Ocala, Florida, displaying symptoms like lethargy, fever, anorexia, and limb swelling. Examination of a blood smear led to a tentative diagnosis of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), which was later confirmed as Babesia equi infection.
  • The researchers reported the case to the State Veterinarian, leading to the launch of an investigation that included quarantining and testing potentially exposed horses, conducting tick surveillance, and interviewing owner-agents.

Research Findings

  • 210 horses across 25 premises were tested for infection with EP pathogens. The investigation discovered 20 B. equi-infected horses on seven premises. However, no horses were found to test positive for Babesia caballi.
  • Among all the tested horses, seven (including the index case) had clinical findings consistent with EP. The only potential tick vector for B. equi collected was Dermacentor variabilis. However, all D. variabilis specimens tested negative for Babesia organisms via PCR assay.
  • The epidemiological study suggested that B. equi was primarily spread through the use of shared needles, potentially supplemented by blood transfusions. Notably, all horses that tested positive were involved in nonsanctioned Quarter Horse racing, indicating that the management practices in this setting could significantly enhance the risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

Outcome and Conclusion

  • The eventual outcome for the B. equi-infected horses involved euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility.
  • The researchers conclude by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between private veterinary practitioners, state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and regulatory officials in the identification, containment, and eradication of foreign animal diseases. The research underscores the need for vigilance and best management practices in preventing the spread of such diseases in horse populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Short MA, Clark CK, Harvey JW, Wenzlow N, Hawkins IK, Allred DR, Knowles DP, Corn JL, Grause JF, Hennager SG, Kitchen DL, Traub-Dargatz JL. (2012). Outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 240(5), 588-595. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.240.5.588

Publication

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN: 1943-569X
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 240
Issue: 5
Pages: 588-595

Researcher Affiliations

Short, Michael A
  • Division of Animal Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 407 S Calhoun St, Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399, USA. Michael.Short@FreshFromFlorida.com
Clark, Carol K
    Harvey, John W
      Wenzlow, Nanny
        Hawkins, Ian K
          Allred, David R
            Knowles, Donald P
              Corn, Joseph L
                Grause, Juanita F
                  Hennager, Steven G
                    Kitchen, Diane L
                      Traub-Dargatz, Josie L

                        MeSH Terms

                        • Animal Husbandry
                        • Animals
                        • Babesia / isolation & purification
                        • Babesiosis / epidemiology
                        • Babesiosis / mortality
                        • Babesiosis / transmission
                        • Babesiosis / veterinary
                        • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
                        • Female
                        • Florida / epidemiology
                        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
                        • Horse Diseases / mortality
                        • Horse Diseases / parasitology
                        • Horse Diseases / transmission
                        • Horses
                        • Male

                        Citations

                        This article has been cited 23 times.
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