PiroVac is a major international research project designed to develop control measures to combat two major tick-borne diseases of small ruminants, namely theileriosis and babesiosis. This EU-funded research programme aims at improving existing vaccines, designing new vaccines and capacity building in partner laboratories both in Europe and in endemic areas.
Small ruminant piroplasmosis is a major threat to livestock production in many areas of the developing world. Theilerosis and babesiosis, caused by the protozoan parasites Theileria lestoquardi, T. uilenbergi and Babesia ovis, infect sheep and goats causing disease, production loss and sometimes death. Consequently, these diseases have a major impact on animal welfare and stock-holder prosperity throughout the world.