Biliary or Tick Fever

Biliary or tick fever is the common name for equine babesiosis.

It is a tick-borne disease caused by a parasite. The parasites live and multiply in the red blood cells of the horse and are transmitted from one horse to another in the salivary glands. We all know ticks, even if you treat it, your horse may contract it. Stabled horses are most often more susceptible as they do not come in contact with ticks in the field.

Babesiosis is the most frequently treated infectious disease in South Africa. Many countries prohibit the import of horses from Southern Africa, due to this deadly disease.

The incubation period varies from five to 21 days, although some animals develop a carrier state, and only show clinical symptoms of the disease after an episode of stress, such as a viral infection or transport. This disease may be acute, sub acute or in some cases chronic of nature. Acute cases are characterized by a fever usually exceeding 40°C, elevated pulse rate and respiratory problems.

The most obvious signs are: the gums are light pink or yellow, the inside of the eyes are light pink or yellow, the inside of the nose is light pink or yellow. You will immediately notice that your horse does not feel well, he will have little spirit, looks sick and will have no spirit and sometimes do not eat. Bowel movements are in some cases suppressed, resulting in colic.

A variety of complications have been described in equine babesiosis, including colic, enteritis, kidney failure and laminitis. Stallions may lose their fertility and mares may abort their foals.

A diagnosis of biliary is generally made from blood smears and tests although more thorough tests are available. It can be confused with other diseases like the early stages of influenza.

A wide variety of drugs have been used to treat equine babesiosis. Depending on the severity of the case, blood transfusions and/or intravenous electrolyte infusions, liver support, appetite stimulants and antibiotics could be required to save the horse's life. Laxatives may also be necessary.

To prevent biliary, contact should be avoided between horse and tick by applying tick control methods like tick grease, dip etc. There is no vaccine available for babesiosis and animals should be carefully watched for any signs of abnormalities, like bad appetite, loss of weight, and loss of spirit. Many horses in biliary areas are carriers and therefore immune to the fever.

The sooner you treat this disease, the less the damage. I always suggest a good supplement to strengthen the body. RED CELL is an excellent product to replace red blood cells, there are also other excellent products on the market.

Please, let your horse rest after the ordeal, give nature time to heal the body. Give lots of love and attention and look after him for any additional signs or relapses. Always call in the vet, even if you are not certain.

NAMIBIAN HORSE

Biliary or Tick Fever

"Show me your horse and I will tell you what you are."