Equine Haemoparasites at a Nigerian Polo Tournament: Prevalence and Handler Practices

Haemoparasitic infections in horses are caused by microorganisms that live either inside or outside cells in the bloodstream. There is a dearth of data on the prevalence of haemoparasitic infections, specifically among horses participating in polo tournaments, where the gathering of horses from various regions could facilitate transmission of these infections. Hence, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of equine haemoparasites, risk factors, and knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of horse handlers during a polo tournament in Jos, Plateau State. Blood samples were collected from 120 polo horses and examined for haemoparasite via microscopy. Also, a structured questionnaire was administered to horse handlers to assess their KAP towards haemoparasitic infection. The overall prevalence was 51.7%, with Anaplasma marginale being the most common (45.2%), followed by Theileria equi (24.2%), Trypanosoma spp. (12.9%), Babesia caballi (9.7%), and Anaplasma centrale (8.1%). Risk factors significantly associated with higher odds of infection included being a stallion (OR=10, p=0.050), age 5–15 years (OR=2.8, p=0.008), Sudanese Country-Bred breed (OR=3.62, p=0.001), and horses from Kano (OR=5.7, p=0.013), Katsina (OR=5.3, p=0.003), and Zaria (OR=7.1, p=0.037) compared to Abuja. A KAP survey of 58 horse handlers revealed 75.9% had satisfactory knowledge, 96.6% had a satisfactory attitude, but only 31% had satisfactory practices regarding haemoparasitic infections. Gaps existed in recognising haemoparasite names, transmission routes, regular monitoring, and implementing preventive measures. The findings highlight the high burden of haemoparasitic infections among polo horses. There is a need for interventions, such as handler education programmes and improved biosecurity practices, in Nigeria's polo industry.