In discussing anthrax, screwworms, and piroplasmosis, Irby said that the three disease are related in that each “can affect equids, has the potential to devastate domestic livestock, is present in many foreign countries, and may first be detected by veterinarians in private practice.”

Irby re-iterated that it is imperative that private practice veterinarians realize that they are the sentinels for any unusual disease conditions or exotic pests affecting animals in the United States