Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Two German horses infected with Theileria equi after France trail ride
By Springer, Andrea et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere·2020·Institut fü, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [Theileria equi-infection in 2 German horses returning from a trail ride in southern France].
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two German horses developed symptoms of equine piroplasmosis, a tick-borne infection, after returning from a trail ride in southern France. During their treatment, a tick was found on one horse, highlighting the risk of bringing infected ticks back to Germany. The horses were treated with a medication called imidocarb, given in three doses over nine days, and they did not experience any side effects from the treatment. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring for ticks and treating infections promptly to prevent further spread.
People also search for: horse piroplasmosis symptoms · tick-borne disease in horses · imidocarb treatment for horses
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis, caused by the protozoan pathogensor, is endemic in many (sub-)tropical regions worldwide, including Southern Europe. In Germany, it mainly plays a role as an imported parasitosis. Nevetherless, tick species with known vector potential for equine piroplasms occur in Germany. Thus, a long-term establishment of autochthonous cycles after introduction via infected equids or ticks cannot be excluded. In the present case, 2 horses developed clinicalinfection after returning from a trail riding trip to southern France. During treatment, a feeding tick was discovered on one of the horses, which was identified as aspecimen. This tick species cannot establish in Germany under the current climatic conditions; nevertheless, this discovery illustrates the potential of introducing infected ticks to Germany. The 2 horses were treated with imidocarb (3 mg/kg i. m.; 3 treatments in 3-day intervals) and no adverse drug effects were recorded. To prevent establishment of autochthonous infection cycles in Germany as well as a chronic manifestation of piroplasmosis, treatment should aim at eliminating the parasites despite possible adverse effects of imidocarb.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32325501/