Parasites of equine piroplasmosis and its potential tick vectors in Israel

Abstract

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an infectious tick-borne disease with a significant economic impact on the equine industry. The two causative agents of EP are Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. This thesis highlighted first the clinical presentation of the disease, which is similar to either parasite and is related to intravascular hemolysis and associated systemic illness and can manifest in different forms: peracute, acute, subacute, and chronic. Although most infected horses survive, the infection can be fatal, and most horses remain asymptomatic and inapparent carriers. EP is an endemic disease in many countries worldwide, including Israel.