Sero-molecular survey and risk factors of equine piroplasmosis in horses in Spain.
Authors: Camino Eliazar, Buendia Aranzazu, Dorrego Abel, Pozo Pilar, de Juan Lucía, Dominguez Lucas, Cruz-Lopez Fatima
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Equine Piroplasmosis in Spain: What the Data Show Equine piroplasmosis, caused by *Theileria equi* and *Babesia caballi*, represents a significant threat to horse health and industry productivity, yet epidemiological understanding across Spain has remained fragmented and regionally limited. This 2021 survey employed serological and molecular techniques to characterise the distribution of these tick-borne parasites across Spanish populations and identify associated risk factors. The research provides clarity on prevalence patterns and the specific management, geographic, and animal-level variables that increase infection likelihood, enabling practitioners to target prevention strategies more effectively. For farriers, veterinarians, and yard managers, these findings highlight which operational practices and environmental conditions warrant particular attention, whilst also informing decisions about horse movement, competition eligibility, and vector control prioritisation. Understanding the epidemiology at a national level helps align individual biosecurity protocols with genuine local risk rather than blanket precautions, ultimately protecting both individual animals and the wider equine population from this economically damaging disease.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Equine practitioners in Spain should be aware that piroplasmosis remains a significant tick-borne disease threat affecting horse health and industry economics
- •Regional variation in EP prevalence suggests risk assessment and prevention strategies should be tailored to local epidemiological patterns
- •Serological and molecular screening may be warranted for horses with clinical signs consistent with piroplasmosis or in endemic regions
Key Findings
- •Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease with significant negative impact on the equine industry in Spain
- •Infections with Theileria equi and Babesia caballi have been reported for decades in Spain
- •Epidemiological studies of EP in Spain have been limited to certain regions rather than comprehensive national surveys