Molecular characterization of the Babesia caballi rap-1 gene and epidemiological survey in horses in Israel.

Highlights: [•] Out of 257 blood samples, 24 were found to be positive for B. caballi. [•] High similarity was found between Israeli isolates and the South Africans ones. [•] Lower similarity was found between Israeli and American/Caribbean strains. [•] Significant association between management type and B. caballi prevalence was found. [•] Age was negatively associated with B. caballi prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]