Abstract

This study investigates the presence of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the indigenous Garrano horse breed in Portugal. A total of 150 ticks were collected from healthy Garrano horses in the northern regions of Portugal during the peak tick season. Molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were employed to detect various tick-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Borrelia spp. The results revealed a notable prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, indicating potential risks for equine health in the region. No evidence of Ehrlichia spp. or Borrelia spp. was found in the samples. This study highlights the importance of monitoring tick populations and associated pathogens in the Garrano horse breed, contributing to a better understanding of zoonotic risks and informing preventative measures for equine health management in Portugal.