RAYTOWN, Mo. – Authorities have put down five horses stricken with an incurable disease that starts with a tick bite. Two other quarantined horses that tested positive for the disease are now missing.
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is described as a blood-borne disease transmitted to horses by ticks and spread from animal to animal by contaminated needles. Humans are not considered at risk, but horses will always be a carrier should they survive the acute infection. There is no vaccine for this serious disease.
The
Missouri Department of Agriculture reports the missing horses were quarantined at the Raytown Equine Center after testing positive for EP. Two horses were illegally removed from the premises Wednesday night following locks being cut from building doors and stalls. These horses are micro-chipped.
“We continue to do everything we can to locate the two piroplasmosis-positive horses. Although this disease is not easily transmittable and does not affect humans, it is a disease that through ticks and contaminated needles can have a great impact on our horse industry,” said Dr. Jon Hagler, director of the Department of Agriculture
The quarantine was initiated June 4, and the rest of the horses at the facility were put on 24-hour surveillance. The quarantine, enacted by the Missouri State Veterinarian, was put in place to prevent movement of any horses from the equine center. Infected horses must be quarantined and isolated to reduce exposure to ticks. Pets and wildlife (including rodents) must be prevented from entering the isolation area, as they may carry ticks capable of transmitting EP.
Seven horses tested positive for EP on June 9. Thursday, June 18, five of the sick horses were euthanized with the owner’s consent. An equine piroplasmosis-infected horse will show symptoms in mild forms such as weakness and lack of appetite. More acute cases include fever, anemia, jaundice, a swollen abdomen and labored breathing.
EP is a reportable disease, meaning state and local authorities must be notified. Because EP is transmitted by ticks, tick control is a vital preventive measure.
“The Department of Agriculture is working with local, county, state and federal officials to do everything we can to find these horses. We are asking anyone that has seen anything suspicious to notify their local authorities.”
EP affects horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. The wild zebra population is an important reservoir for the disease in Africa. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says with horses, some infected animals die within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of clinical signs. Those signs include weakness, anemia, increased respiratory rate and increased heart rate. The urine of sick animals can turn jaundice or red-tinged, Kidney damage and failure can follow. The spleen is also typically enlarged say veterinarians.
Contact authorities if you suspect a horse is sick or you know the whereabouts of the missing quarantined horses.
