Epidemiological situation of equine piroplasmosis in Spain: where is the risk?
Oral communication in XI International Equine Infectius Diseases Conference
September 24th, 2021
Camino E., Buendia A., Dorrego-Rodriguez A., Pozo P., de Juan L., Dominguez L. and Cruz F.
Background: Theileria equi ( T. equi) and Babesia caballi (B. caballi) cause equine piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important tick-borne diseases of horses worldwide, due to its negative impact to the equine industry [1]. Although infections with these protozoa have been reported for years in Spain, epidemiological studies have only been carried out in certain regions [2].
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of these parasites in asymptomatic horses in Spain and to identify potential risk factors associated with seropositivity to EP.
Study design: Cross sectional.
Methods: Horses registered in Spain in 2013 were used to calculate the sample size; a random stratified sampling was carried out by autonomous community. A questionnaire was used to collect data on factors associated with EP seropositivity. A total of 740 horses were tested by serological (cELISA and complement fixation test) and molecular methods. Risk factors were identified computing two independent logistic regression models with the collated data.
Results: Antibodies against EP were detected in 42.9% of horses, whereas 30.3% were EP positive by PCR. T. equi was significantly more prevalent than B. caballi and the highest (sero)prevalence was detected in the north of Spain. Risk factors related to EP were horse age, ticks and contact with cows, whereas tetanus vaccination and fairs’ attendance were associated with lower risk.
Main limitations: A possible source of bias in the selection of horses in each premises by the participating vets should be taken into account.
Conclusions: Horses in Spain have a significant risk of infection with EP, varying between areas and depending on management factors. Appropriate prevention measures should be considered to reduce and control the infection
 | Servicio de Vigilancia Sanitaria Equina (SEVISEQ). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM). |
| Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense (UCM). |
Link to XI International Equine Infectius Diseases Conference
