Outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida

Michael A. Short Division of Animal Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 407 S Calhoun St, Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Search for other papers by Michael A. Short in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
,
Carol K. Clark Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital, 4747 SW 60th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474.

Search for other papers by Carol K. Clark in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, DACVIM
,
John W. Harvey Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Search for other papers by John W. Harvey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, PhD, DACVP
,
Nanny Wenzlow Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Search for other papers by Nanny Wenzlow in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
,
Ian K. Hawkins Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Search for other papers by Ian K. Hawkins in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
,
David R. Allred Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.

Search for other papers by David R. Allred in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
,
Donald P. Knowles Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Services, USDA, and Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College Of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164.

Search for other papers by Donald P. Knowles in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, PhD
,
Joseph L. Corn Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

Search for other papers by Joseph L. Corn in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
,
Juanita F. Grause National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA 50010.

Search for other papers by Juanita F. Grause in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MS
,
Steven G. Hennager National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA 50010.

Search for other papers by Steven G. Hennager in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MS
,
Diane L. Kitchen Division of Animal Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 407 S Calhoun St, Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Search for other papers by Diane L. Kitchen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, PhD, DACVIM
, and
Josie L. Traub-Dargatz Department of Clinical Sciences and Animal Population Health Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

Search for other papers by Josie L. Traub-Dargatz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, MS, DACVIM

Abstract

Case Description—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.

Clinical Findings—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.

Treatment and Outcome—Final outcome of B equi–infected horses was euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility.

Clinical Relevance—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.

Abstract

Case Description—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.

Clinical Findings—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.

Treatment and Outcome—Final outcome of B equi–infected horses was euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility.

Clinical Relevance—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.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 309 0 0
Full Text Views 5352 4435 105
PDF Downloads 506 327 11
Advertisement