Piroplasmosis and Tick Fever in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

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.

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