equine piroplasmosis

equine piroplasmosis

noun

Definition of EQUINE PIROPLASMOSIS

: a babesiosis that affects horses and related equines (as mules, donkeys, and zebras), is caused by two protozoans of the genus Babesia (B. caballi and B. equi) which parasitize red blood cells, is transmitted by ticks and especially the tropical horse tick, and is characterized by variable clinical signs associated with destruction of red blood cells and including especially fever, anemia, weakness, icterus, and sometimes hemoglobinuria and edema just below the skin around the head—called also equine babesiosis