Detection of Babesia (Theileria) equi (Laveran, 1901) in horses in the Kars province of Turkey.

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to detect antibodies to Babesia (Theileria) equi in the local breed of horses in the province of Kars, Turkey. A total of 108 serum samples from apparently healthy horses in eight villages were examined for B. equi antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of the 108 samples tested, 27 (25%) were found to be seropositive. The horses sampled in Aydinalan village had the highest prevalence (50.0%) of Babesia equi infection while the lowest prevalence was found among horses from Bayraktar village (12.5%). Statistically significant differences in seroprevalence were observed between these two villages (P < 0.05). This study is the first report on the status of B. equi infection in Kars.