Piroplasmosis Testing in Kentucky

Piroplasmosis continues to be a disease mandating greater attention of horsemen and veterinarians. In today’s environment this is particularly true for those preparing and qualifying horses to move onto racetracks throughout the country.  During the past year a number of race horses have been found positive (particularly quarter horses but recently thoroughbreds).  This has resulted in a number of tracks requiring horses to be tested negative for piroplasmos.

We encourage horsemen and veterinarians to check entry requirements (both interstate and onto a particular track) prior to preparing horses to depart.

Testing Accessibility
The USDA has in the past year approved a number of state and university laboratories to conduct piroplasmosis testing.  Both Murray State University’s Breathitt Veterinary Center and the University of Kentucky’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory are approved by USDA to conduct the testing.

Horsemen should consult their veterinarians about testing costs and turnaround time between sample collection and result received.

E.S. Rusty Ford
Equine Programs Manager
Office of State Veterinarian
Rusty.ford@ky.gov
502/564-3956