Download Rapid Risk Analysis Equine piroplasmosis

An import risk analysis for horses and horse semen, including a risk assessment on equine piroplasmosis (EP), was last conducted in 2000.
Equine piroplasmosis was absent from New Zealand until recently when an imported horse tested positive for antibodies against Theileria equi. Following the detection of this evidence of T. equi infection, this rapid risk analysis (RRA) reviews and updates the risk assessment and risk management measures on EP.
The likelihood of entry of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, the pathogens causing EP in live equids, is assessed to be medium. The likelihood of exposure and establishment of these pathogens in New Zealand is assessed to be low. There is no evidence that Haemaphysalis longicornis, the only tick species in New Zealand known to be present on livestock, is a vector competent of transmitting Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. The direct and indirect consequences of entry and exposure of this disease are assessed to be low. Therefore, the overall risk is estimated to be low to medium.
Because the likelihood of entry and exposure and the consequences are assessed to be non-negligible, measures are justified to prevent infected horses to be imported into New Zealand and options for managing this risk have been presented.
The suggested risk mitigation options include country freedom declaration, testing protocols and prevention of transmission before export.