Equine piroplasmosis: overview of the epidemiological situation in Europe

The key point is that EP can no longer be ruled out because the horse has not traveled to endemic areas.
DrO

[Equine piroplasmosis: Case descriptions and overview of the epidemiological situation in Europe with focus on Germany]

Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere. 2024 Dec 4. doi: 10.1055/a-2457-5516. Online ahead of print.
[Article in German]
Authors
Carla Wiebke Axt 1 , Andrea Springer 2 , Jennifer von Luckner 1 , Torsten J Naucke 1 , Elisabeth Müller 1 , Christina Strube 2 , Ingo Schäfer 1
Affiliations

1 Laboklin GmbH and Co. KG, Bad Kissingen.
2 Institut für Parasitologie, Zentrum für Infektionsmedizin, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover.

PMID: 39631762
DOI: 10.1055/a-2457-5516

Abstract
in English, German

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by Babesia (B.) caballi and Theileria (T.) equi and is transmitted by hard ticks. Predominantly, the Mediterranean region is known as being endemic for both pathogens in Europe. However, autochthonous infections in central European countries such as Germany can no longer be ruled out due to individual case reports in horses without any stays abroad as well as the geographical expansion of the habitats of different tick species. The case reports presented underline the risk of infection for horses travelling to endemic areas and in horses imported from such areas to non-endemic countries. Clinical signs are often unspecific and include fever, icterus, lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, and reduced performance. Mild to severe anemia is the most common hematologic abnormality, but thrombocytopenia has also been described. Direct (polymerase chain reaction, microscopical analysis of blood smears) and indirect detection methods (detection of antibodies) are available for the diagnosis of pathogen contact and/or infection. Imidocarb-dipropionate is recommended as treatment of choice against EP. Infections with B. caballi can be cleared, while infections with T. equi often result in a life-long carrier status despite treatment. Prevention is limited to controlling or avoiding tick contact. Aside from potentially severe and life-threatening clinical signs, equine piroplasmosis has a significant economic impact on the international trade of horses worldwide. EP is classified as a notifiable disease according to WOAH guidelines, which recommend serological screening for B. caballi and T. equi according to the respective national guidelines when travelling across borders. To date, EP is not classified as a notifiable nor reportable disease in Germany.