The epidemiology of equine strongylosis in southern Queensland. 3. Seasonal variation in arterial populations of Strongylus vulgaris, and the prevalence of some helminths.

Abstract

The anterior mesenteric arteries of 138 horses slaughtered in southern Queensland were examined for the presence of S. vulgaris larvae. Seasonal differences were noted in the size of arterial populations of this parasite, with higher mean monthly numbers of worms per horse occurring in winter. There was an equally high incidence of severe verminous arteritis during the winter months of June, July and August, compared to arteries examined during the warmer months, when there were smaller numbers of larvae. It was concluded that more infective larvae were available on pasture during the warmer months, with subsequently large arterial populations some 3 to 4 months later. The parasite was encountered in 121 arteries (88%). The prevalence of adult helminths in the caeca of the same group of horses was S. vulgaris 88%; S. equinus 70%; S. edentatus 18%; Triodontophorus spp. 23%; A. perfoliata 62%. The overall prevalence of S. vulgaris was 93%, when the results of arterial and caecal observations were combined.