− | ''B. caballi'' and ''T. equi'' are transmitted by ticks, which become infected when they ingest parasites in the blood of infected horses. Approximately 15 species of ticks in the genera Dermacentor, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus can be vectors for these organisms. ''T. equi'' can also be transmitted by ''Boophilus microplus''. Infected adult ticks host several cycles of replication of Babesia spp and final maturation of the parasite occurs when the tick attaches to a new host. For this reason, the tick must remain attached to the host for a period of time (up to a few days) before infection can occur. Equine babesiosis may also be transmitted via contaminated surgical instruments, blood products or syringes. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting transmission by other insects. Following recovery from infection, horses may become lifelong carriers of the disease and represent a potential reservoir of parasites. | + | ''B. caballi'' and ''T. equi'' are transmitted by ticks, which become infected when they ingest parasites in the blood of infected horses. Approximately 15 species of ticks in the genera Dermacentor, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus can be vectors for these organisms. ''T. equi'' can also be transmitted by ''Boophilus microplus''. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting transmission by other insects. Infected adult ticks host several cycles of replication of Babesia spp and final maturation of the parasite occurs when the tick attaches to a new host. For this reason, the tick must remain attached to the host for a period of time (up to a few days) before infection can occur. Equine babesiosis may also be transmitted via contaminated surgical instruments, blood products or syringes. Following recovery from infection, horses may become lifelong carriers of the disease and represent a potential reservoir of parasites. |