Prevalence and risk factors of Theileria equi infection in horses in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The research article looks at the prevalence and risk factors of Theileria equi infection, a parasite causing disease in horses, in a region in Brazil. It examines how factors related to horse rearing patterns on specific farms influence the likelihood of the parasite infection.

About the Study

• The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to understand the prevalence of IgG antibodies against T.equi. This was done using the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT).
• The study focused on the Mangalarga Marchador horses raised in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil.
• The sample size consisted of 506 clinically healthy horses from 53 horse farms spread across 27 municipalities.
• Statistical tests such as chi-square and generalized estimating equations were performed using SPSS Statistics 20.0 software.

Results of the Study

• The true seroprevalence of T. equi among the sampled horses was 57%, i.e., 288 out of 506 horses showed the presence of IgG antibodies against T.equi.
• Among the farms studied, a large percentage (98.1%) had at least one horse testing positive for T. equi seroprevalence.
• Farms that maintained horses with good body condition, did not use chemical tick controls, had horses above 5 years old, had areas less than 100 hectares, and did not practice embryo transfer had higher instances of T. equi.

Significance of the Study

• The findings clarify that T. equi infection is endemic in southern Minas Gerais, even though most infections are subclinical or chronic.
• The study results can form the basis of understanding the prevalence of other equine diseases in the region.
• This data can guide veterinary professionals and horse owners in managing and preventing T. equi infection on horse farms.