Gastrointestinal Parasites In Horses Research Articles

Seasonal effects on the gastrointestinal parasites in horses at Port Harcourt Polo, Rivers State, Nigeria

The current study examined various gastrointestinal (GI) parasite species to which the horses at Polo Club, Port Harcourt were exposed during the rainy and dry seasons. Between September 2023 and February 2024, a total of 80 Polo horses were evaluated. During each season, forty horses of various sexes and breeds were examined. The animals were classified as young (˂4 years), adult (4 – 10 years), and old (˃10 years). Feacal samples were collected from each horse and soil samples were also collected from three different spots within the Polo Club. Floatation technique was used to ascertain the faecal and soil eggs of the identified parasite species. The results were presented using descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used to analyze the data and P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. The result revealed a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher GI parasite prevalence during the rainy season compared with those recorded during the dry season. Seasonal results showed that Strongylus and Strongyloides species were highly prevalent. The results indicated that the horses had four (4) helminths parasites during the rainy season: Stronglyus spp. (90%), Strongyloides spp. (97.5%), Gastrodiscus spp. (25%), Trichonema spp. (25%), and one (1) intestinal protozoan parasite, Eimeria spp. (2.5%). The findings during the dry season showed that there were Strongylus spp (82.5%), Stongyloides spp (70%), Triodontophorus spp (5%), and Oxyuris spp (2.5%). The outcome showed that there was no significant (P > 0.05) association between sex of the horses and prevalence of GI parasites while there was significant association between season, age, breed and prevalence across different season. In conclusion, these parasites are more common during the rainy season therefore efforts should be focused on effective management practices, early identification, and treatment with anthelminthic and anti-protozoan medications during this period.

Occurrence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitism in horses reared in different systems.

To facilitate exploration of the immense range of gastrointestinal parasites in horses and the impact of parasitism on equine health, the present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and risk factors associated with these infections in horses reared in different management systems in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Samples were collected from 208 horses: 91 from extensive, 64 from semi-extensive, and 53 from intensive rearing systems. The identified helminths included those of the Strongylida order (80.29%), Parascaris equorum (3.36%), Oxyuris equi (4.33%), and Anoplocephala spp. (1.92%). By analyzing the coproculture results to differentiate among Strongylida order parasites, species such as Strongylus vulgaris, S. edentatus, S. equinus, Triodontophorus spp., and Trichostrongylus axei, in addition to members of the Cyathostominae subfamily, which include Gyalocephalus capitatus and Poteriostomum spp., were identified. The only positive sample of protozoa was that of Cryptosporidium spp. (13%). Regarding the rearing system, animals in the extensive system had a higher proportion of infected horses and a higher chance of infection than those in the other systems. For the variable co-grazing with cattle, only cyathostomins showed a significant difference with relatively low infection risk in co-grazing. Overall, the present study demonstrated a high occurrence of equine gastrointestinal parasites, especially those of the Strongylida order, with emphasis on small strongylids. In addition, analyzing factors associated with infection showed that management variables are important for controlling parasitism in horses.

Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review.

Studies have shown a wide variety of parasites that infect horses, causing major gastrointestinal damage that can lead to death, and although the main method of control has been synthetic anthelmintics, there are parasites that have developed resistance to these drugs. For generations, plants have been used throughout the world as a cure or treatment for countless diseases and their symptoms, as is the case of Moringa oleifera, a plant native to the western region. In all its organs, mainly in leaves, M. oleifera presents a diversity of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, saponins, and vitamins, which provide antioxidant power to the plant. The compounds with the greatest antiparasitic activity are tannins and saponins, and they affect both the larvae and the oocytes of various equine gastrointestinal parasites. Therefore, M. oleifera is a promising source for the natural control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses.

Counseling and Examination of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horses in Payakumbuh City

This Community Service is carried out from August to September 2021 in the Horse breeding area in Payakumbuh City in the form of counseling and examination of horse feces in the laboratory with the aim of this program being to provide knowledge to horse owners and stool examination in the laboratory to find out gastrointestinal parasites. This program was carried out by visiting the location of the horse stables and taking the feces of 50 horses. From the results of laboratory examinations, horses infected with gastrointestinal parasites were 82% (41/50), the prevalence was higher in mares 70% and stallions 12%. Although clinically the horse showed healthy symptoms but still had gastrointestinal parasites. It is hoped that from this activity horse breeders can improve management of maintenance, feed and also the health of horse livestock.

Gastrointestinal parasites of horses and their socio-economic impact in Jos Plateau – Nigeria

There are several socio-economic constraints facing horses in Jos, Nigeria among which gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) play important role in negatively impacting the health, productivity and well-being of horses and these greatly limits the efficiency and work potential of affected horses. The objectives of this study are to estimate the impact of GIP infection in Horses around Jos metropolis and to advise stakeholders appropriately. Faecal samples were collected from 108 horses comprising of 25 male horses and 83 female horses over a period of six months from February to July 2021 covering three months in the dry season and three months in the rainy season. The samples were analyzed for GIPs using standard flotation, sedimentation and McMaster faecal egg counting techniques. The overall prevalence of GIPs in this study was 82.41% out of which 51.85% were positive for single infection and 30.56% were positive for mixed infection. The GIPs found in this study were Strongylus spp., Strongyloides westeri, Trichonema spp., Eimeria leukarti, Anoplocephala spp., Fasciola gigantica, Parascaris equorum, Gastrodiscus aegypticus, Triodontophorus spp., Oxyuris equi, Gasterophilus intestinalis and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi. The prevalence for EPG was zero (3.70%), low (46.30%), medium (24.07%) and high (9.26%). The prevalence of GIPs was found higher in males as compared to females; young ones as compared to adults and rainy season compared to dry season. The prevalence of GIPs was found higher in animals with poor body condition score (84.62%) followed by moderate (83.78%), ideal (76.92%) and fat (66.67%). Several factors such as poor nutrition, management practices, disease status and other physiologic factors may affect the immune status of horses making it easier for them to succumb to gastrointestinal parasitic infection. It is therefore recommended that appropriate, economic and efficient control measures be employed to reduce parasitism in all age groups, sex and body conditions and in all seasons of the year consequently improving the health of horses in Jos - Nigeria.

Feasibility of selective anthelmintic therapy to horses in tropical conditions: the Cuban scenario.

For the past several decades, selective anthelmintic therapy (SAT) has been recommended in temperate climate countries for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in horses. However, the feasibility of this approach in tropical climates remains unknown, given the very different parasite transmission patterns and a larger representation of working equids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-economic feasibility of SAT in horses kept under tropical conditions of Camagüey, Cuba. Fecal egg counts were determined from 794 adult horses and used for evaluating three different putative treatment thresholds; > 500 strongylid eggs per gram of feces (EPG); > 1000 EPG; and treatments yielding > 80% of the total herd egg output. These scenarios were evaluated under three treatment frequencies (every 2, 6, and 12months). The bio-economic feasibility of these nine possible selective anthelmintic therapy scenarios was evaluated taking into account the cost of parasitological tests, and the mean cost of anthelmintic treatment in Camagüey. The majority (96.7%) of the samples tested were positive for strongyle eggs, with a mean of 1549 EPG. The percentage of horses exceeding the cut-off points at the nine scenarios varied between 40.1 and 93.8%. All owners surveyed used extra-label anthelmintic product in their horses on a routine basis. The economic analysis demonstrated that selective therapy generally was much more costly than deworming the entire herd without determining egg counts. However, we consider that the deworming every 6months of the horses that expel 80% of the eggs in the herd allows a reduction of the treatment intensity without increasing costs, and it can be considered as a viable selective deworming scheme under similar conditions.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in Luxor Egypt

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in Luxor Egypt

Farmers Knowledge and Control Practices on Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses in Maseru District, Lesotho

Farmers Knowledge and Control Practices on Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses in Maseru District, Lesotho

Gastrointestinal parasites of horses (<i>Equus caballus</i> Linnaeus, 1758) and risk factors associated with equine coccidiosis in Kwara and Niger States, Nigeria

About two-third of the parasitic infections in animals are believed to occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Coccidiosis is an important disease of horses and it is responsible for a great economic setback worldwide. This study was designed to determine the species diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of horses and the risk factors associated with Eimeria infections in horses in Kwara and Niger States, North Central Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected from 105 horses in Kwara and Niger States. Simple floatation and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques were used as diagnostic techniques. An overall prevalence of 62.86% (66/105) was recorded. Eleven gastrointestinal parasites comprising of 7 nematodes, 2 trematodes, 1 protozoan and 1 cestode were detected. Strongylus spp. (33.33%; 35/105) and Eimeria spp. (28.57%; 30/105) were the most prevalent. Fortysix (43.81%) of the sampled population had multiple gastrointestinal parasites infection. Body condition score, presence/ absence of diarrhoea and horse ownership were significantly association with the occurrence of Eimeria infection. This appears to be the first report on gastrointestinal parasites of horses in Kwara and Niger States of Nigeria. The high prevalence reported in this study calls for horse owners to improve on the veterinary medical attention given to their horses as gastrointestinal parasitism is a major cause of economic loss in equine husbandry. The curtailing of gastrointestinal parasitism will improve production, reproduction and performance of horses in the study areas.Keywords: Eimeria spp.; Gastrointestinal parasites; Horses; North Central Nigeria; Risk factors

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horses of Central Mexico

Equines are affected by a large number of endoparasites, these can cause gastrointestinal signs, respiratory, poor performance, slow growth and even cause sudden death. The presence of parasites can be associated with various factors related to the animal and environmental or geographical factors. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection and risk factors in horses were evaluated. Stool samples belonging to 218 horses from different regions of central Mexico were analyzed by coproparasitological concentration-flotation technique. The fecal examinations were carried out from February to August in 2017. Among the 218 samples that were examined, 103 (47.24%) were found to be positive with several gastrointestinal parasites, with Strongylus spp. being the most prevalent (23.85%) followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (21.56%) and Parascaris spp. (11.93%). Breed and place of origin were significantly associated with helminth infection. Sex was associated as a significant risk factor (p Strongylus spp. on females and by Anoplocephala, on males. In central Mexico, gastrointestinal helminth infection appears to be relatively low.

Anthelmintic Resistance and Associated Management Practices in Local Horses in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the management practices used in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes of horses and to determine the efficacy of three anthelmintics commonly used in Sokoto metropolis. A questionnaire was administered on management practices, while an anthelmintic efficacy test was carried out using 15 horses. The 15 horses were divided into three groups (A, B and C) comprising of 5 each and treated with albendazole, ivermectin and fenbendazole, respectively. The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was used to determine the efficacy and faecal culture was used to determine the parasite species. Majority of the respondents (80%) claimed to have worm control strategies, but only 32.5% used anthelmintics for the control of GI parasites. 62.5% of respondents designed their deworming plan, while only 25% relied on veterinarians. Most of the treatments were done by the horse owners and/or handlers and they largely depended on visual judgement in dosage determination. Their selection of anthelmintics was based on familiarity and 52.5% of the respondents dewormed their horses six times a year using a particular class of anthelmintic or herbal remedies. Resistance against albendazole as well as suspected resistance against fenbendazole by the GI nematodes identified was observed, while ivermectin demonstrated high efficacy against all nematodes isolated. In conclusion, a single dose of subcutaneous injection of ivermectin was highly effective against gastrointestinal parasites in horses, while the worm control strategies employed by respondents enhanced the selection of nematode resistance to albendazole and fenbendazole.

Influence of horse management systems in south-western Poland on the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in horses from various management systems. The study included 296 horses of different breeds and ages (from 6 months to 20 years), of both sexes, coming from various management systems: Group 1 – horses using natural pastures, Group 2 – horses pastured on field pastures created by man, Group 3 – horses using sand areas. Faeces samples were collected directly from the rectum 1–2 days before worming. Each sample was examined macro- and microscopically (McMaster method). The number of oocysts/eggs per gram of faeces (OPG/EPG) and parasite abundance (average representation of parasites in relation to all animals). The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Total prevalence of parasites in all groups was 66.89%: E. leucarti 0.68%; Anoplocephalidae 4.73%, P.equorum 9.46% and Strongylidae 64.19%. Total prevalence per group was the following: 1 – 57.43%; 2– 26.69%; 3 – 6.38 %. In all management systems, the dominating parasites belonged to Cyathostominae (Group 1–77.65%, Group 2 – 70.89%, Group 3 – 4.25%). The prevalences of P. equorum, Anoplocephalidae, E. leucarti in each group were as follows: Group 1 – 10.59; 3.53; 0.59%; Group 2 – 11.39; 10.13; 1.27%; Group 3 – 2.13; 0; 0%.The average intensities of Strongylildae, P. equorum, Anaplocephalidae and E. leucarti in groups were as follows: Group 1 – 606.44; 519.44; 50; 50; Group 2 – 472.32; 261.11; 62.5; 50; Group 3 – 1150; 450; 0; 0. On the other hand, the average abundances in each group were the following: Group 1 – 473.67; 55; 1.76; 0.29; Group 2 – 334.81; 29.75; 6.33; 0.63; Group 3 – 48.94; 9.57; 0; 0. The statistical analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between the management system and invasion intensity. However, the analysis, taking into consideration a correlation between the management system and abundance, revealed statistically significant differences. The differences were observed between Groups 1 and 3 (pi = 0.0000001) and between Groups 2 and 3 (pi = 0.0000001).

Homeopathic Treatment with a Complex of Cina9 CH and Colocynthis CH in Horses Naturally Infected with Intestinal Strongyles

<p class=MsoNormal style=margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:150%> The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of homeopathic and allopathic treatments on gastrointestinal parasites in horses. Eighteen clinically healthy and regularly trained Standard bred horses were used with the informed consent of the owners. The horses were randomly divided into 3 equally groups: Group A was treated with ivermectin, Group B received daily treatment with an homeopathic combination of Cina 9CH and Colocynthis 9CH, and Group C (Control Group) received treatment with placebo. Directly after the first faecal sampling, the horses were treated with anthelmintic drugs (day 0). All horses were observed daily to record for any clinical signs of side-effects (e.g., sweating, mydriasis, colics) caused by the products. Body Condition Score (BCS) measurement was performed on horses before (d0) and after the end of experimental period (d35). The collection of faecal samples was carried out from each animal before (d0) and after 3 (d3), 7 (d7), 10 (d10), 13 (d13), 16(d16), 20 (d20), 27 (d27), and 35 (d35) days the start of experimental period. Fecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of allopathic and homeopathic treatment. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine significant effects of treatment and time on BCS values. Differences on efficacy of treatment were found among groups. In particular, the efficacy of ivermectin on Group A based on FECR was of 98.8%. Egg count reduction after homeopathic treatment were lower than 10%,although the parasite eggs showed altered morphological aspect with thinned and coerced walls. Whereas, the Group C had no reduction in FECR and parasite eggs showed no morphological alterations. A statistically significant effect of time was found on the BCS values in group A (P<0.05) and B (P<0.001). Moreover, Groups B showed higher BCS values respect to Group A and Group C. The homeopathic treatment evaluated in the present study did not prove effective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in the conditions that it was tested as demonstrated by the lack of FECR. <p class=MsoNormal style=margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:150%> Keywords: Homeopathic treatment, Horse, Ivermectin, Gastrointestinal parasites

Occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in horses and risk factors for infection

This study aimed to monitor the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses evaluating different rural properties in Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil. Fresh samples of feces were collected and processed by the McMaster technique, quantifying the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG), followed by coproculture for identification of helminths. The population investigated was composed of 111 horses of varying ages (1–27 years, 63 males and 48 females). Among all the animals evaluated, 76 animals showed EPG ≥50, representing 63.96 % (IC95 % 54.24–72.70) of samples positive for gastrointestinal helminths. The EPG values ranged from 0 to 5600, with EPG average set as 490. There was a great variation among EPG in different farms. The anthelmintic treatments were carried out in all properties, most of them ranging from 30 to 90 or more 90 days. However, when we correlated the interval of treatment with EPG values, we did not observe significant difference for these variables (P > 0.05). Similarly, there was also no relation between EPG with age and sex of horses (P > 0.05), showing that the EPG values are not dependent of these two independent variables. In coproculture, 40 % of the evaluated properties had only the presence of Strongylus spp., while 60 % had mixed infection of Strongylus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. With our results, we conclude that approximately 64 % of the horses of this study were positive for gastrointestinal parasites.

Incidence of gastro-intestinal parasites in horses of Shimoga region, Karnataka state.

A study was conducted to ascertain the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses of Shimoga region, to generate the data regarding status of parasitic infections of equines in Karnataka state due to paucity of information. A total of 100 fresh fecal samples of equines were collected and examined by direct and sedimentation method for the detection of parasitic egg/ova. Among 100 samples examined, 84 (84.0%) were found positive for various gastrointestinal helminths. Out of 84 positive cases, 44 (52.38%) were found positive for Strongylus spp. eggs, 09 (10.71%) showed Parascaris equorum eggs, 06 (7.14%) had Gastrodiscus spp. eggs, 04 (4.76%) harbored Oxyuris equi and the remaining 21 (25.0%) had a mixed infection of Strongylus spp., Strongyloides spp. and Gastrodiscus spp.

Australian plants show anthelmintic activity toward equine cyathostomins in vitro

Anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal parasites of horses is an increasing problem, particularly in cyathostomins, and there is a need to find alternative means for the control of these parasites. We screened crude extracts from 37 species of Australian native plants for their anthelmintic activity in vitro against cyathostomin larvae (development from egg to third larval stage), with the aim of identifying those species that may be suitable for incorporation into sustainable parasite management programs. Water extracts from seven species, namely Acacia baileyana, Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia podalyriifolia, Alectryon oleifolius, Duboisia hopwoodii, Eucalyptus gomphocephala and Santalum spicatum completely inhibited larval development (100% inhibition compared to the control), while another 10 species caused 90% inhibition at the initial screening concentration of 1400μg of extractable solids/mL. The seven most potent extracts produced IC50 values (concentration of extract which resulted in a 50% inhibition of development) in the range 30.9–196μg/mL. Fourteen extracts were incubated with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) before the assays, which removed the anthelmintic activity from 12 of these extracts, indicating that tannins were likely to be the bioactive compound responsible for the effect, while in two species, i.e. A. melanoxylon and D. hopwoodii, compounds other than tannins were likely to be responsible for their anthelmintic action. Our results suggest that a number of Australian native plants have significant anthelmintic activity against cyathostomin larval development in vitro. There is potential for these plants to be used as part of sustainable parasite control programs in horses, although more research is needed to identify the compounds responsible for the anthelmintic effects and confirm their activity in vivo.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses and Donkeys in and around Gondar Town, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistical significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites between age, sex and among body condition. Donkeys were at higher risk of acquiring parasites than horses (OR = 7.97, CI = 3.39-18.75) and animals that fed only pasture and lived in poor house were at increased risk of acquiring infection (OR = 9.59, CI = 3.25-28.25). In conclusion, the present study revealed higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses and donkeys. Therefore, continuous deworming, improvement of housing and feeding management were recommended.

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Horses Used for Cadets Training in Nigeria

The present study was carried out to establish the Gastrointestinal Parasites (GIP) profile of horses used for cadets’ training at the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Nigeria. A total of forty eight (48) horses made up of 35 males and 13 females were examined regularly between November, 2010 and June, 2011. Fecal samples were collected from sampled horses and processed by flotation and sedimentation techniques. GIP encountered were ciliates (81.3%), Strongylus spp. (68.8%), Oxyuris equi (27.1%), Strongyloides spp. (25%), Dictyocaulus spp. (10.4%) and Parascaris equorum (6.3%). Male horses were significantly more infected than female horses (P

Prevalence of Gastro-intestinal Parasites in Horses and Donkeys in Al Diwaniyah Governorate

The study was included hundred of fecal samples of horses and donkeys (44 horses and 56 donkeys) males and females at age (2-6) years were collected from the period (1/11/2009– 30/10/2010). The parasites were encounter in 100% of horses and donkeys. Among the parasites that detected in horses, the prevalence of Strongylidae, Parascaris equorum, Strongyloides westri, Trichostrongylus axei, Oxyuris equi Cryptosporidium spp., Balantidium coli and Eimeria spp. were 50% , 40.90%, 22.72%, 25% ,11.36%, 20.45% 15.90% 6.81% respectively. In donkeys, the prevalence of Strongylidae, Parascaris equorum, Strongyloides westri, Trichostrongylus axei, Oxyuris equi, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, Cryptosporidium spp., Balantidium coli, Eimeria spp. and Entamoeba coli were 57.14%, 32.14%, 28.57%, 17.85%, 17.85%, 17.85%, 19.64, 17.85%, 10.71% and 3.57% respectively. The single parasitic infection in this research was 50%, 28.57% and the mixed infection was 50%, 71.42% in horses and donkeys respectively. The statistical analysis reveal significant differences in the percentages of infections in different ages in horses and donkeys (p&lt;0.01), while there were no significant differences in the percentages of infections of males and females of horses and donkeys (p&lt;0.05).

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses