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Equine veterinary journal2020; 53(4); 771-779; doi: 10.1111/evj.13348

Sero-molecular survey and risk factors of equine piroplasmosis in horses in Spain.

Abstract: Theileria equi and Babesia caballi cause equine piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important tick-borne diseases of horses due to its high negative impact to the equine industry. Although infections with these parasites have been reported for decades in Spain, epidemiological studies have only been carried out in certain regions. Objective: To determine the (sero)prevalence of these parasites in asymptomatic horses nationwide in Spain and to identify potential individual and environmental factors associated with seropositivity to EP. Methods: Sample size was calculated according to the horses registered in Spain in 2013 and by autonomous community using a random stratified sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data on factors associated with EP seropositivity. Methods: Serological (cELISA and complement fixation test) and molecular (real-time PCR) analyses were carried out in 740 horses. Risk factors were identified computing two independent logistic regression models with the collated data. Results: Antibodies against EP were detected in 42.9% (95% CI 39.4-46.5) of horses, whereas 30.3% (95% CI 27.0-33.6) were EP positive by PCR. A substantial strength of agreement (k = 0.721) was estimated between serological tests. Exposure to T. equi was significantly higher than to B. caballi and the highest (sero)prevalence was detected in the northern communities. Increasing horse age, presence of ticks and contact with cows were factors related to EP seropositivity in the horses, whereas tetanus vaccination and fairs attendance were associated with lower seropositivity. Conclusions: Almost half of the horses residing in Spain had antibodies against EP or circulating parasitaemia. Appropriate prevention measures and implementation of a EP surveillance programme should be considered in order to reduce and control the infection.
© 2020 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2020-10-02 PubMed ID: 32918303DOI: 10.1111/evj.13348Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 focuses on understanding the prevalence of equine piroplasmosis, a tickborne disease in horses, across Spain. Almost half of the horses in the study showed signs of previous or active infection. Factors linked to higher infection rates included age of the horse, contact with ticks and cows, while horses that had been vaccinated against tetanus or attended fairs appeared less likely to contract the disease. The researchers suggest that surveillance and prevention measures should be taken to control the infection.

Understanding Equine Piroplasmosis

  • Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a significant tickborne disease that affects horses, caused by the parasites Theileria equi and Babesia caballi.
  • The disease has had a substantial negative impact on the equine industry.

Methodology of the Study

  • The researchers conducted a nationwide survey in Spain to assess the prevalence of EP in asymptomatic horses.
  • The sample size was determined based on the horses registered in Spain in 2013 and the data was collected using a random stratified sampling technique.
  • A questionnaire was also used to gather data on factors associated with EP seropositivity.
  • Serological and molecular tests were done on 740 horses to identify the presence of the disease.

Findings of the Study

  • The results show that 42.9% horses have antibodies against EP and 30.3% were found to be positive for EP by PCR method.
  • Exposure to Theileria equi was found to be higher than to Babesia caballi.
  • Furthermore, the highest prevalence was found in the northern communities.
  • The study found that increasing horse age, presence of ticks and contact with cows were factors associated with EP seropositivity in horses.
  • On the contrary, horses that were vaccinated for tetanus and those attending fairs had lower seropositivity rates.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Based on the findings, almost half of the horses residing in Spain had antibodies against EP or were found to have active parasitaemia (parasites in their blood).
  • The researchers recommend the implementation of an EP surveillance program along with proper prevention measures.
  • This can help in reducing and controlling the infection across Spain, ultimately benefitting the equine industry.

Cite This Article

APA
Camino E, Buendia A, Dorrego A, Pozo P, de Juan L, Dominguez L, Cruz-Lopez F. (2020). Sero-molecular survey and risk factors of equine piroplasmosis in horses in Spain. Equine Vet J, 53(4), 771-779. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13348

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 4
Pages: 771-779

Researcher Affiliations

Camino, Eliazar
  • VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
  • Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Buendia, Aranzazu
  • VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Dorrego, Abel
  • VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Pozo, Pilar
  • MAEVA SERVET, S.L, Alameda del Valle, Spain.
de Juan, Lucía
  • VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
  • Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Dominguez, Lucas
  • VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
  • Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Cruz-Lopez, Fatima
  • VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Babesiosis / epidemiology
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Risk Factors
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Theileriasis / epidemiology

Grant Funding

  • Predoctoral Researchers (CT27/16) / Complutense University of Madrid

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Citations

This article has been cited 10 times.
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