Several horses on a south Texas ranch have come down with

equine piroplasmosis. The horses have been quarantines until additional testing has been conducted to determine the extent of the infection.

Equine piroplasmosis causes common symptoms, such as poor appetite. Other horses exhibit few signs of the infection. few or no signs of disease. “Although equine piroplasmosis is not considered to be endemic in the U.S., cases have been detected on occasion,” Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas’ state veterinarian to The Cherokeen newspaper.

“In June, equine piroplasmosis was detected in Missouri, with a related case found in Kansas. In 2008, the infection was detected in Florida. These cases have been closed.”

There is no vaccine for equine piroplasmosis. The most important treatment is prevention, keeping ticks off horses.

“Equine owners may want to consult with their veterinarians for recommendations on preventing tick infestation,” said Dr. Hillman.