Equine Piroplasmosis

About Equine Piroplasmosis:

• It is a tick-borne protozoal disease of horses, mules, donkeys and zebra. 
• Transmission: Infected animals may remain carriers of these blood parasites for long periods and act as sources of infection for tick vectors. These parasites are also easily spread by blood-contaminated instruments.
• It is endemic in tropical and temperate areas of the world with ticks capable of carrying the disease.
• Symptoms:
  • The clinical signs of equine piroplasmosis are often nonspecific, and the disease can easily be confused with other conditions.
  • Piroplasmosis can occur in peracute, acute and chronic forms.
  • The acute cases are more common and are characterised by fever that usually exceeds 40°C, reduced appetite and malaise, elevated respiratory and pulse rates, congestion of mucous membranes, and faecal balls that are smaller and drier than normal. 
• Treatment: There are no vaccines available.

Key facts about World Organisation for Animal Health

• It was founded in 1924 as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), in May 2003 it adopted the common name World Organisation for Animal Health.
• It is an intergovernmental organization which focuses on transparently disseminating information on animal diseases, improving animal health globally and builds a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.
• It was founded as a response to a cattle plague called rinderpest, which swept across the globe, ravaging livestock and devastating livelihoods.
• Members: 183 Member countries. India isone of the member
• Headquarter: Paris