edward
11-17-2009, 11:10 AM
23-Oct-09 12:00 PM EST
Texas Equine Piroplasmosis (Theleria equi)
The following is from the Office of the State Veterinarian.
Earlier this week the KY State Veterinarian’s Office learned that Equine Piroplasmosis (Theleria equi) has been confirmed in a ‘working ranch horse’ demonstrating clinical symptoms of disease in Kleberg County Texas. Subsequent to the diagnosis, samples from 31 horses considered to have had direct exposure to this infected animal were tested by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Each of these 31 exposed horses has been found to be positive to Theleria equi by CELISA testing.
In addition to the testing being conducted on the horses, ticks recovered from horses identified as positive have been submitted for species identification and testing by PCR to determine if a prevalene of Theleria equi has been established in the local tick population. Our office has been in direct communication with State and Federal Officials conducting the investigation in Texas and will continue to monitor the extent of the outbreak.
Based on information currently available, the Office of State Veterinarian is concerned that horses from Kleberg County Texas pose a significant threat of disease introduction and under the Authority found in KRS257.020 is directing that effective immediately, and until further notice:
HORSES ORIGINATING FROM OR HAVING BEEN IN KLEBERG COUNTY TEXAS DURING THE PRECEDING 30 DAY PERIOD ARE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING KENTUCKY.
We are continuing to monitor the investigation and will adjust our strategies as new epidemiological information is made available to us.
We have also learned today that CANADA has banned the importation of horses from Texas and horses that had been in Texas during the 21 days receding the scheduled importation into Canada. Questions regarding exportation of horses to other countries can best be answered by Dr. Keith Squires, USDA’s Export Veterinarian in the Kentucky Area Office. Dr. Squires can be contacted by email at keith.squires@aphis.usda.gov or directly by telephone on 502/848-2049 or the USDA’s office line at 502/848-2040.
Check our website at www.kyagr.com/statevet/equine for updates as new information becomes available that better defines the extent of the outbreak OR if additional movement restrictions and/or testing requirements are implemented.
Texas Equine Piroplasmosis (Theleria equi)
The following is from the Office of the State Veterinarian.
Earlier this week the KY State Veterinarian’s Office learned that Equine Piroplasmosis (Theleria equi) has been confirmed in a ‘working ranch horse’ demonstrating clinical symptoms of disease in Kleberg County Texas. Subsequent to the diagnosis, samples from 31 horses considered to have had direct exposure to this infected animal were tested by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Each of these 31 exposed horses has been found to be positive to Theleria equi by CELISA testing.
In addition to the testing being conducted on the horses, ticks recovered from horses identified as positive have been submitted for species identification and testing by PCR to determine if a prevalene of Theleria equi has been established in the local tick population. Our office has been in direct communication with State and Federal Officials conducting the investigation in Texas and will continue to monitor the extent of the outbreak.
Based on information currently available, the Office of State Veterinarian is concerned that horses from Kleberg County Texas pose a significant threat of disease introduction and under the Authority found in KRS257.020 is directing that effective immediately, and until further notice:
HORSES ORIGINATING FROM OR HAVING BEEN IN KLEBERG COUNTY TEXAS DURING THE PRECEDING 30 DAY PERIOD ARE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING KENTUCKY.
We are continuing to monitor the investigation and will adjust our strategies as new epidemiological information is made available to us.
We have also learned today that CANADA has banned the importation of horses from Texas and horses that had been in Texas during the 21 days receding the scheduled importation into Canada. Questions regarding exportation of horses to other countries can best be answered by Dr. Keith Squires, USDA’s Export Veterinarian in the Kentucky Area Office. Dr. Squires can be contacted by email at keith.squires@aphis.usda.gov or directly by telephone on 502/848-2049 or the USDA’s office line at 502/848-2040.
Check our website at www.kyagr.com/statevet/equine for updates as new information becomes available that better defines the extent of the outbreak OR if additional movement restrictions and/or testing requirements are implemented.