Clinical Manifestations and Prevalence of Piroplasmosis in Nigerian Royal Horses

The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical manifestations and prevalence of equine piroplasmosis in Niger state, Nigeria as information on the disease in the area is scanty. To achieve this, 254 Arewa’ mixed breed stallions, 4 1 /2 – 14 years old were sampled randomly from 5 of the 8 emirate headquarters in Niger state, Nigeria. The horses were physically examined for signs of ill-health. Jugular vein blood, feces and tick samples were collected and examined microscopically for piroplasm, gastro-enteric parasites and identification respectively. Observed signs were weight loss, nasal discharges, coughing, eye congestion, tick infestation, fever, edema, jaundice, ocular discharges, facial alopecia, pale mucus membranes, mucoid feces, colic and rarely rough coat and diarrhea in decreasing order of occurrence. Overall point prevalence of equine piroplasmosis in Niger state was 51(20.1%) due to T. equi 41(80.4%) and B. caballi 10(19.6%) infections. Parasitemia was scored as Very Few’ (VF) in 20 (7.9%) and plus one (+) in 31 (12.2%) of horses. Concurrent piroplasmosis and gastrointestinal parasites infection did not significantly influence the manifestations of piroplasmosis in royal horses (P>0.05). Rhipicephalus spp 20 (87%) and Boophilus spp 3 (13%) of ticks were found associated with the horses. It is concluded that natural equine piroplasmosis exhibit a wide variety of clinical signs. The disease is endemic in Niger state, Nigeria. Rhipicephalus spp and Boophilus spp of ticks are usually associated with infected horses.