Equine Piroplasmosis: Welfare in Affected Horses

Key Facts

• EP is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi transmitted by Ixodid ticks
• Endemic in Africa, Asia, southern Europe, and Central/South America — occasionally imported to disease-free countries
• Clinical signs include fever, anemia, jaundice, dark brown urine (hemoglobinuria), and collapse in acute cases
• Chronic carriers appear healthy but cannot be moved to disease-free countries due to regulatory restrictions
• Treatment with imidocarb dipropionate and other antiparasiticides is partially effective but rarely eliminates infection completely

Welfare Considerations

Equine piroplasmosis causes severe acute welfare suffering through rapid destruction of red blood cells, causing anemia, weakness, and the pain of severe systemic illness. Hemoglobinuria (red-brown urine) indicates significant hemolysis with associated metabolic stress. Acute EP cases require intensive supportive care: IV fluids, blood transfusions in severe anemia, and anti-parasitic treatment. Chronic carrier horses that test positive face significant welfare impacts through movement restrictions and regulatory challenges that can affect their working and social lives. Prevention through tick control in endemic regions is the primary welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

• Implement rigorous tick control programs for horses in endemic regions using appropriate acaricide products
• Seek immediate veterinary care for any horse showing fever, jaundice, and weakness in or after visiting endemic areas
• Provide intensive nursing care for acute cases including IV fluid support and blood transfusion as indicated
• Comply with import testing regulations — they protect disease-free populations from this devastating disease
• Report suspected EP to your national veterinary authority — it is a notifiable disease in many countries