Piroplasmosis (also called babesiosis, theileriosis, and horse tick fever) is an acute infectious disease of horses characterized by fever, anemia, jaundice, and edema of the legs, chest and abdomen. Recovered horses become asymptomatic carriers, capable of transmitting infection to other horses. Caused by two protozoan blood parasites, Babesia caballi and Babesia (Theileria) equi, piroplasmosis is most commonly spread by several species of tick vectors. This article discusses clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and control of this disease. Given the 2009 finding of equine piroplasmosis in Texas and subsequent movement of infected horses to some states, many states and equine events have required equine piroplasmosis testing of horses from states with infection prior to movement.

This article discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of horses infected with B. caballi and B equi. Also provided are links to more information on this outbreak.

The two protozoans, Babesia caballi and B. equi, are primarily transmitted by infected ticks but can be carried by unsterilized surgical instruments and equine blood products. B. caballi is primarily transmitted by Dermacentor sp. while B. equi is transmitted by Dermacentor, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus species. B. caballi has occasionally been transmitted by these other species also. One of the most important steps to preventing infection is controlling your horses exposure to ticks in areas where this disease is prevalent...more.