(1) Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by two parasitic organisms, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, and is transmitted to horses by ticks or improperly disinfected needles or surgical instruments. EP causes clinical signs such as fever, anemia, lethargy, jaundice, dependent edema, and labored breathing.

(2) Horses that test positive to any of the following tests must either be euthanized or removed from the state within thirty days of diagnosis:

(a) cELISA (competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay);

(b) CF (complement fixation);

(c) PCR (polymerase chain reaction); or

(d) IFA (immunofluorescent antibody).

(3) Equine found positive to piroplasmosis must be:

(a) Permanently quarantined in a restricted holding facility for the life of the equine under a herd plan developed to control the spread of the disease, as provided for in RCW 16.36.005; or

(b) Donated to a diagnostic or research facility; or

(c) Legally removed from the state on a VS form 1-27; or

(d) The equine is euthanized and disposed of under the direct supervision of a state or federal animal health official.