Problems in the Protection of Reintroduced Przewalski’s Horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) Caused by Piroplasmosis.

The study focuses on the problem of piroplasmosis, a disease caused by parasites, experienced by reintroduced Przewalski’s horses in Mongolia’s Hustai National Park. The aim was to determine the prevalence of the disease among these native horses, potential transmission from domestic horses, and the resulting mortality rates.

Study Objectives

• The main objective of this study was to understand the prevalence of two parasites causing equine piroplasmosis – Babesia caballi and Theileria equi – in Przewalski’s horses, often known as takhi.
• It compared the prevalence of these parasites in Przewalski’s horses and the horses of nearby nomads.
• The study also aimed to ascertain the mortality rate among the Przewalski’s horses due to the piroplasmosis during a three year span from 2012 to 2015.

Findings

• In 2014, the prevalence of Theileria equi was found to be high among both nomadic horses (80%) and Przewalski’s horses (84%).
• Contrary to Theileria equi, there was no observed occurrence of Babesia caballi infection among the Przewalski’s horses.
• Comparative studies of the 18S rRNA base sequence of Theileria equi revealed identical sequences in both the domestic and Przewalski’s horses suggesting a potential similar source of the parasite.
• According to the park records, piroplasmosis caused high mortality rates in young takhi. Almost 19% of deaths were related to it.

Implications

• The study highlighted that piroplasmosis, specifically caused by the parasite Theileria equi, is a significant issue within the Przewalski’s horse population in Hustai National Park.
• This disease poses a threat to the reintroduction and conservation efforts of Przewalski’s horses in the wild.
• The findings suggest a need for ongoing monitoring and effective vector (parasite transmitting agent) control in future conservation initiatives.