Low seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis in horses exported from the Netherlands between 2015 and 2021.
Authors: Graham Heather, van Kalsbeek Paul, van der Goot Jeanet, Koene Miriam G J
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Equine piroplasmosis, caused by *Babesia caballi* and *Theileria equi*, poses an ongoing threat to horse populations across Europe, particularly given the established presence of competent vectors (*Dermacentor reticulatus*, *Rhipicephalus* and *Hyalomma* species) in the Netherlands since 2007 and the first autochthonous cases reported there in 2012. Researchers examined serological data from 12,881 horses exported from the Netherlands between 2015 and 2021, stratifying animals by origin (Dutch-born, foreign-born, or unknown) to determine current prevalence and assess disease establishment. Dutch-resident horses showed reassuringly low seroprevalence at 0.5% (95% CI 0.4–0.7%), whilst imported animals demonstrated notably higher exposure at 1.9% for foreign-born horses and 1.7% for those of unknown origin, with Spain showing the highest country-specific seroprevalence at 6.0% and Ireland at 0%. The findings suggest that despite suitable tick vectors being present in the Dutch environment, *B. caballi* and *Theileria equi* have not become established in the resident horse population—yet the substantially elevated seroprevalence in imported horses underscores the need for continued serological screening and surveillance, as disease introduction through international horse movement remains a genuine risk where vectors are established.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EP remains rare in Dutch horses but is significantly more prevalent in imported horses—screening imported animals is essential before introducing them to your facilities
- •Although tick vectors are established in the Netherlands, the disease has not become endemic; continued surveillance is warranted but panic is not justified
- •If sourcing horses internationally, particularly from Southern Europe (Spain 6.0% prevalence), request EP serology results and consider quarantine protocols
Key Findings
- •Seroprevalence of equine piroplasmosis in Dutch-origin horses was 0.5% (95% CI 0.4-0.7) compared to 1.9% in foreign-origin horses (95% CI 1.3-2.6)
- •Seroprevalence in imported horses ranged from 0% in Irish horses to 6.0% in Spanish horses
- •Despite presence of Dermacentor reticulatus vector ticks in the Netherlands since 2007, EP remains at very low levels in domestic Dutch horse populations
- •Higher seroprevalence in imported horses presents ongoing risk for establishment of EP in the Netherlands