Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia caballi and Theileria equi infections in donkeys from Southern Italy.
Authors: Piantedosi D, D'Alessio N, Di Loria A, Di Prisco F, Mariani U, Neola B, Santoro M, Montagnaro S, Capelli G, Veneziano V
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
Equine piroplasmosis represents a significant but under-documented problem in European donkey populations, despite being well-established in subtropical and tropical regions. Researchers in Southern Italy serologically tested 203 donkeys using indirect fluorescent antibody testing to determine exposure to *Babesia caballi* and *Theileria equi*, identifying specific risk factors for infection in each parasite. Overall seroprevalence was strikingly high at 57.1%, with *T. equi* (44.3%) more prevalent than *B. caballi* (35.5%), whilst 22.6% of animals carried both parasites; notably, most infected donkeys remained asymptomatic, though one adult male presented with acute clinical disease—a first documented case in Italy. The risk profile differed between pathogens: *B. caballi* infection associated primarily with horse co-habitation, whereas *T. equi* correlated with poor body condition, presence of ruminants, and milk production activities, suggesting distinct epidemiological pathways. These findings indicate donkeys function as significant reservoirs for equine piroplasmosis in Mediterranean regions, with implications for disease surveillance, vector control strategies, and the assessment of donkeys in multi-species farm environments where horses are present.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Donkeys in Southern Italy represent a significant reservoir for equine piroplasmosis; practitioners should consider serological screening before introducing donkeys to horse populations
- •Co-grazing with horses increases transmission risk for B. caballi; separate management of donkeys and horses may reduce infection spread
- •Although most infected donkeys are asymptomatic, clinical disease can occur; monitor donkeys with poor body condition or high antibody titres for acute piroplasmosis signs
Key Findings
- •Overall seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis was 57.1% (116/203) in Southern Italian donkeys, with 35.5% positive for B. caballi and 44.3% for T. equi
- •Co-infection occurred in 22.6% of donkeys (46/203), with T. equi showing higher antibody titres than B. caballi
- •Presence of horses on farms was the only risk factor for B. caballi, while poor body condition, presence of ruminants, and milk production were risk factors for T. equi
- •One adult male donkey presented with clinical signs of acute equine piroplasmosis (T. equi titre 1:640), the first clinical case reported in Italy