Coultous, R. , Leadon, D. P., Shiels, B. , Sutton, D. and Weir, W. (2020) Investigating the presence of equine piroplasmosis in Ireland. Veterinary Record, 187(11), e97. (doi: 10.1136/vr.105937) (PMID:32887846)
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Abstract
Background: Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a notifiable disease in Ireland and a significant concern to domestic and international equine industries. Information regarding EP presence in Ireland is currently limited. This retrospective surveillance study describes a serological and molecular analysis of blood samples submitted to the Irish Equine Centre for EP testing between January 2013 and April 2016. Methods: Following serological testing, seropositive samples were screened using a PCR targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Amplicon sequences were bioinformatically analysed to identify the parasite species and to assess genetic diversity. Results: From 2099 screened equine blood samples, 2.5 per cent and 1 per cent were seropositive for Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, respectively. T equi DNA was detected in 9 per cent of the seropositive samples while B caballi DNA was not detected in any sample. The T equi DNA sequences displayed no genetic diversity at this locus, in contrast to samples from the UK and from endemic areas. Conclusion: Detection of EP-seropositive and parasitaemic horses in Ireland indicates a clear and present health risk to the equine population. It is recommended that owners adopt appropriate biosecurity measures and that clinicians are mindful of this disease as a differential diagnosis.
| Item Type: | Articles |
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| Additional Information: | Funding: The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) funded the cost of the nested PCR screening and Sanger sequencing as part of an HBLB research scholarship held by RMC (VET/RS/254). RMC is currently supported by an HBLB research fellowship (VET/EPDF/2019-1). |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Coultous, Dr Robert and Weir, Professor Willie and Shiels, Professor Brian and Sutton, Professor David |
| Authors: | Coultous, R., Leadon, D. P., Shiels, B., Sutton, D., and Weir, W. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Veterinary Record |
| Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
| ISSN: | 0042-4900 |
| ISSN (Online): | 2042-7670 |
| Published Online: | 04 September 2020 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © British Veterinary Association 2020 |
| First Published: | First published in Veterinary Record 187(11):e97-e97 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy |
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