A number of U.S. states and Canada have imposed movement restrictions or additional entry requirements for horses from Texas after equine piroplasmosis, a tick-transmitted blood disease of equine animals, was detected in South Texas in mid-October.

Equine piroplasmosis can be carried and transmitted by as many as 15 species of ticks. Although ticks have been collected from the South Texas ranch for testing, final results are not complete, and it is not known whether any of the ticks can serve as a host for the disease.

"Before moving horses from Texas, we urge you and your veterinarian to check with animal health officials for any state of destination, to ensure the animals have met all entry requirements," said Bob Hillman, DVM, Texas' state veterinarian and head of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. "Regulatory requirements can be fluid as disease situations evolve, so it is essential to call each state each time you haul."

As states provide entry restrictions and requirements, the documents are posted on the TAHC Web site. Hillman urged equine owners and veterinarians to call state animal health officials directly before hauling, as many states have not yet distributed entry requirement information. Contact information for state veterinarians can be obtained from the TAHC at 800/550-8242, ext. 710, or by e-mailing ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us