Movement Restrictions of Horses Because of Tick-Borne Disease

 

by: Dr. Mario Villarino

Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Hopkins County

 

 

 

 

Canada and a number of U.S. states have imposed movement restrictions or additional entry requirements for horses from Texas after equine piroplasmosis, a tick-transmitted blood disease of equine animals, such as horses, donkeys, mules and zebras, was detected in South Texas a few months ago. Equine piroplasmosis may be carried and transmitted by as many as 15 species of ticks. Although ticks have been collected from the South Texas ranch for testing, final results are not complete, and it is not known if any of the ticks can serve as a host for the disease. “Before moving horses from Texas, we urge you and your veterinarian to check with animal health officials for any state of destination, to ensure the animals have met all entry requirements,” Texas Animal Health Commission recommends.

 

 

 Investigations continue of the equine piroplasmosis disease initiated in October in South Texas. No horse movement is being allowed from or to the ranch where the infection was detected. While this tick-borne disease has not been considered endemic in the U.S., cases of the disease, have been detected in the U.S. Epidemiologists are tracing the movement of specific equine animals. Blood tests are currently conducted and the animals will be examined for ticks. Individual equine owners will be contacted, if their horse needs to be tested by animal health officials. Horses infected with equine piroplasmosis may appear well, while others may exhibit a range of non-specific clinical signs, such as fever or anemia. These clinical signs also could be attributed to a variety of other diseases or causes. Blood tests are needed to diagnosis the disease.

 

Equine owners should talk with their private veterinary practitioners about complying with interstate movement requirements, testing recommendations and protecting their horses from ticks. If a horse appears to be ill, it should be evaluated by an accredited private veterinary practitioner.

 

 

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