Survey of Zoonotic and Non-zoonotic Vector-Borne Pathogens in Military Horses in Lisbon, Portugal.
Authors: Fuehrer Hans-Peter, Alho Ana Margarida, Kayikci Feodora Natalie, Shahi Barogh Bita, Rosa Hugo, Tomás José, Rocha Hugo, Harl Josef, Madeira de Carvalho Luís
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Portuguese military horses working across diverse regions represent an underexplored sentinel population for vector-borne pathogens, yet epidemiological data on working equines remain sparse despite global reports of increasing disease prevalence. Researchers tested 101 apparently healthy horses from the Portuguese National Republican Guard for piroplasms, Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia species, and filarioid helminths using serological and molecular techniques. Theileria equi emerged as a significant finding, detected in nearly one-third of the cohort (32.7%) with two distinct genotypes identified, whilst Babesia caballi, Anaplasma species, Rickettsia species, and filarioid parasites were notably absent. The identification of multiple T. equi genotypes carries implications for treatment response and vaccine development, and given the disease's economic impact on equine production and implications for international movement, military establishments—along with other high-risk populations—should implement targeted vector control, serological screening protocols, and appropriate chemoprophylaxis to mitigate exposure and prevent outbreaks.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Military and working horses in Portugal carry a significant burden of T. equi infection (>1 in 3 horses); implement tick control and biosecurity protocols appropriate to your region
- •Theileria equi can have two different genotypes, which may affect treatment responses and international movement restrictions—know the genotype status of horses being exported or moved between countries
- •Apparently healthy horses can be infected; use serological or molecular screening before moving horses between regions or internationally to prevent disease spread
Key Findings
- •32.7% of Portuguese military horses tested positive for Theileria equi
- •Two distinct genotypes of T. equi were identified in the surveyed population
- •No positive results found for Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia caballi, or filarioid helminths
- •Apparently healthy working horses can harbor piroplasm infections without clinical signs