Mare for export tests positive for Piroplasmosis
A suspect positive test result for the disease Theileria equi was returned as part of standard export certification testing of a mare prior to shipment from New Zealand. Further blood tests have been taken from the mare and we expect confirmation of whether the horse is negative or positive for the disease by the end of this week. There has not been a case of Theileria equi in New Zealand before. Biosecurity New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will continue to work with international partners to understand and investigate this suspect case.
The horse had been tested by European laboratories in the months before it left the UK. It tested negative for Theileria equi within the required 21 days before its import to New Zealand early last year for breeding. Under international protocols, testing from certified laboratories is part of the horse importation process. Part of that importation process also requires that the horse is treated for ticks. Prior to export, the horse was quarantined in isolation for three weeks and underwent examinations. On arrival in New Zealand, the horse was in post-arrival quarantine and inspected by an equine veterinarian. An MPI vet checks arriving horses on arrival at the airport, at the quarantine location within 24 hours of arrival, around the middle of quarantine and then prior to release.
Theileria equi is a blood disease that causes anaemia and is spread from animal to animal by ticks. It is not infectious directly between horses. The ticks that are known to transmit the disease are a species not present in New Zealand. Some countries, including Australia, that import horses from New Zealand require certification that New Zealand is free of Theileria equi. This current suspect test result has meant that MPI cannot currently provide that assurance of country-freedom status.
A shipment of horses to Australia that was scheduled for the evening of 19 May was put on hold and another shipment scheduled for tomorrow (22 May) may also need to be held. The Ministry’s market access specialists are working with Australian authorities to explore alternative assurance options to allow exports to continue.MPI is aware this situation may cause some concern to those in the equine sector and work is underway to resolve things as quickly as possible to ensure ongoing horse exports are not interrupted.
As at Friday morning 22 May the issue remains an investigation being led by MPI. Further testing on in contact animals has commenced and continues today to better inform decisions that will be required if the mare is a true positive.
The New Zealand equine industry has signed a Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity readiness and response with government. If the impending test results are positive then any response to the presence of T Equi will be then jointly lead by the equine industry, via the New Zealand Equine Health Association and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The New Zealand Equine Health Association is chaired by Dr Ivan Bridge (027 223 3909), the NZVA representative to the NZEHA. Justine Sclater, who represents the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Association is coordinating communications with the Thoroughbred breeding sector. Queries can also be made to Dr Trish Pearce or the respective industry representative.