Fasciola hepatica Infection in Horses in Three Governorates in Northern Egypt: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite that affects wide range of mammalian hosts including horses. There are no epidemiological data on fasciolosis in Egyptian horses. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of F. hepatica in horses using ELISA as well as assess the associated risk factors for fasciolosis infection. A total of 400 sera samples of horses from three Egyptian governorates were examined. The overall seroprevalence rate in horses was 13% and the disease was more prevalent in Qalubia (14.17%) and Gharbia (16.67%) which are located at Nile Delta. The likelihood of having F. hepatica seropositivity was higher in mixed-breed animals and stallions (OR = 3.97, 95%CI: 1.10–14.28 and OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.09–3.93, respectively), and in older horses more than 10 years (OR = 5.69, 95% CI: 1.98–16.36). Horses were more likely to be seropositive with F. hepatica when kept in outdoor housing (OR= 1.53, 95%CI: 0.78–3), during autumn (OR = 3.80, 95%CI: 1.17–12.32) and in the presence of snails (OR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.34–5.52). Therefore, the obtained data contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of Fasciola species, assess in establishment of management programmes to reduce disease and public health risks.