Tennessee Piroplasmosis: 19 Horses Now Confirmed Positive

All the positive cases are connected to two locations in Rutherford County and Bedford County.
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The Tennessee state veterinarian’s office’s investigation into an equine piroplasmosis (EP) outbreak in a group of racing Quarter Horses has revealed additional EP-positive horses.

Nineteen horses have now tested positive for EP in Middle Tennessee. All are connected to two locations in Rutherford County and Bedford County. The investigation is ongoing.

Piroplasmosis is a blood parasite that affects equines. Although it can be transmitted through infected ticks, it is currently more commonly spread by blood and blood-products through the sharing of needles; syringes; or improperly cleaned and disinfected dental, tattoo, surgical, or blood-product equipment between infected and uninfected horses.

It can take as long as 30 days for an infected horse to test positive for the disease after exposure. Early clinical signs can range from weakness and lack of appetite to swelling of limbs and labored breathing. Horses that survive the acute phase continue to carry the parasite for an extended period of time. Horses that test positive for the disease are quarantined and could be euthanized

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