Piroplasmosis

There is clear evidence of increasing babesiosis infections among humans and animals across Europe, researchers say.

More work is required to identify regions across the country where horses are at greatest risk from the protozoan disease.

Measures should be taken to prevent further spread of the disease, the case report team said.

Exports from New Zealand resumed under an interim arrangement after 263 horses return negative tests for protozoan that causes piroplasmosis.

Ongoing testing has found no other positive horses, amid growing optimism the result from the imported mare will prove to be an isolated case.

Broodmare had been imported from the EU last year, and has shown no signs of ill health.