Parascaris Equorum Research Articles

Distribution of helminths of the gastrointestinal tract of horses in Central Altai

The results of the studies (2021, 2022) on the spread of helminth infectious agents in horse breeding farms are presented. Parasitic worms of two classes Nematoda and Cestoda participate in the formation of the helminthic complex of Central Altai animals. Nematodes of two suborders Strongylata and Ascaridata (Parascaris equorum) were recorded. Two species Anoplocephalaperfoliata and Paranoplocephalamamillana were identified in cestodes represented by the tapeworms of suborder Anoplocephalata. In the province (87.8%) and in some administrative districts, infestation of whole-hoofed animals with gastrointestinal strongylates is much higher than infection with helminthes of suborder Ascaridata (14.1%) and cestodes of suborder Anoplocephalata (10.9%). Nematodes of suborder Strongylata play the main role in forming the nosological profile of intestinal helminth infections. Strongylates form the core of the helminthocomplex of the digestive system, and the infestation of whole-hoofed animals with them and their share in the structure of the helminthocomplex both in the province and in individual administrative districts is the highest. The values of IP (invasion prevalence) and PCI (parasite complex index) of strongyloides vary by administrative regions from 53,3 and 69,1% to 95,2 and 80,8%, respectively, and amount to 87,8 and 77,8% on average in the Central Altai. It was found that in most areas, the infestation of whole-hoofed animals with helminths of the digestive system in general and nematodes of suborder Strongylata differs insignificantly. Infestation of whole-hoofed animals by Parascaris equorum and cestodes of suborder Anoplocephalata is registered in the region at 14,1 and 10,9% with PCI 12,5 and 9,7 respectively, which is 6-8 times lower than analogous indices for strongylatosis of animals. Reliable direct correlation between the release of strongylate eggs into the external environment and the index of animal infestation was established. The number of propagative forms released into the environment increases with increasing values of animal infestation with strongylates.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with donkey gastrointestinal parasites in Shashemane and Suburbs, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundGastrointestinal parasites are the cause of morbidity and mortality in working donkeys and reduce their working performance. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to July 2021 to assess gastrointestinal parasite infection in working donkeys in Shashemane and the surrounding district. A total of 395 donkeys were randomly sampled for the study, and an examination was conducted using faecal egg count and the Baermann technique. ResultsOut of the 395 sampled donkeys, different types of gastrointestinal parasites were identified. The parasites identified during the study were Strongyle spp. (100%), Oxyuris equi (10.1%), Parascaris equorum (23.8%), Fasciola spp. (0.3%), Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (4.6%), Strongyloides westeri (47.8%) and Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.5%). Identification of L3 larvae of GI parasites revealed that Cyathostomes spp. (96.2%), Strongylus vulgaris (92.9%), Trichostrongylus axei (90.4%), Strongylus edentatus (89.4%), and Dictyocaulus arnifieldi (49.6%) were the most prevalent. Infection with one species of helminth was more common (60.8%). ConclusionsThus, working donkeys in the present study area were infected with Strongyle spp. (100%), Strongyloides westeri (47.8%), Parascaris equorum (23.8%), Oxyuris equi (10.1%), Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (4.6%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.5%) and Fasciola spp. (0.3%) parasites. Hence, comprehensive donkey health, management, and implementation of appropriate parasite control strategies should be implemented to alleviate these problems.

Parascaris equorum in Horses of Payakumbuh City, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Parascaris equorum is a species of the Ascarididae family which belongs to the phylum nematoda (roundworms) and is a type of parasite that affects equine health, performance, and production. The current study was carried out from April to August 2021 to determine the prevalence of equine Parascaris equorum in horses residing in Payakumbuh City, Indonesia. A total number of 128 fecal samples from horses were examined in the current study. Coprological examination was performed for the detection of Parascaris equorum eggs inside the amassed samples. The overall occurrence of Parascaris equorum was 14.06% (18 out of 128). The prevalence rates of sub-districts differed with the highest in East at 18.18% (8/44), followed by North, South, and West at 16.66% (6/36), 14.06% (2/22), and 7.7% (2/26), respectively. The obtained results indicated a significant difference in the prevalence rate of Parascaris equorum between males and females as well as those horses aged < 5 years (26.22%) and > 5 years (3%). Therefore, it is critical to not only enhance horse health management, maintenance, and health but also to provide anti-parasitic medications on a regular basis.

Reduction of the nematode egg reappearance period in horses after anthelmintic therapy.

Background and Aim:Anthelmintics are used to control equine nematodes. However, helminth resistance to regularly used drugs is a well-known challenge. Among tests to assess effective control and monitor resistance, the most common is the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). In the absence of reliable FECRT results, the nematode egg reappearance period (ERP) is taken into account. This study aimed to examine horses from farms around the Moscow Region to assess nematode resistance through ERP after therapy.Materials and Methods:In the first stage, fecal samples from 280 horses were examined by the flotation method with a sodium nitrate solution. The eggs per gram (EPG) in feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. One hundred and forty out of 280 horses were selected for further work. Five groups were formed: Two groups of horses infected with strongyles (n = 50) and three groups with Parascaris equorum (n = 90). Therapy against strongyles was performed with albendazole and ivermectin. Therapy for parascaridosis was performed with fenbendazole, ivermectin, and aversectin C. Samples from the horses in each group were taken on the 14th day (2 weeks), 28th day (4 weeks), 42nd day (6 weeks), 56th day (8 weeks), and 84th day (12 weeks) after treatment, and the amount of EPG in each sample was determined.Results:Overall, nematodes were found in 65% of the horses examined. P. equorum was most frequently recorded (42.1%) followed by Strongylidae gen. spp. (27.9%). The strongyles ERP after therapy with albendazole and ivermectin was estimated on 42 days (6 weeks). The growth of P. equorum eggs in the feces was observed from the 56th day (8 weeks) after therapy with fenbendazole, from the 42nd day (6 weeks) after therapy with ivermectin, and was observed from the 84th day (12 weeks) after the use of aversectin.Conclusion:Our study shows widespread reductions in nematode ERPs across the Moscow Region after ivermectin therapy in horses, suggesting that additional monitoring of these farms is needed for effective control of anthelmintic resistance.

Study on Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Equines in and around Bekoji, South Eastern Ethiopia.

Parasitic infections can cause a variety of respiratory, intestinal, and other problems in horses, as well as contribute to some performance issues. A cross-sectional study was undertaken in and around Bekoji, South Eastern Ethiopia, from November 2020 to June 2021 to identify species and evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses, using direct fecal smear, floatation methods, and larval cultures. In this study, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites was 94.5% (363 out of 384), with donkeys accounting for 95.8% and horses accounting for 90.5%. The coprological study indicated that an overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites was 87%, 8.3%, 2.5%, 1.4%, and 0.8% for mixed parasite infection, nonmigratory strongylids, migratory strongylids, Parascaris equorum, and Oxyuris equi, respectively. Among mixed infections, nonmigratory strongylids+migratory strongylids (51.5%) occurred most frequently. The odds of male horses being infected by GIT nematodes were 1.59 times higher than male donkeys. Horses which have poor body condition were 2.94 times more infected than donkeys. The odds of old-aged donkeys were 3.11 times more infected than horses. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes with species and body conditions of the animals. However, no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was seen in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites between the sex and age of the Equidae. The mean fecal egg count of nematodes revealed that horses (1364.4 ± 483.5) had a more severe infection than donkeys with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The current study determined there was a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in Equidae. Regular deworming, improved housing and nutrition management systems, increased animal owner awareness, and prevention techniques should all be undertaken to minimize the disease's economic burden in the area.

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Ascarids in Wild Animals.

Ascarid nematodes are the most common and harmful nematodes parasites in animals. By analyzing genetic variation, this study explores the genetic and phylogenetic relationship among ascarids from 11 different hosts. This study collected ascarid samples from the feces of nine animal species in Changsha Ecological Zoo of Hunan Province and two animal kinds in the College of Veterinary Medicine of Hunan Agricultural University. The mitochondrial gene (pcox1) and ribosomal ITS sequences were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed by PCR to identify the species of the samples. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on two genes (cox1 and ITS) by the Neighbor-joining method, and the phylogenetic relationship was analyzed. The sequencing results showed that the sequence lengths of pcox1 and ITS genes in the samples were 441 bp and 838–1,177 bp, respectively. The difference rates were 0.00–1.70% in pcox1 gene and 0.00–7.30% in ITS gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ascarid worms from the white lion, Northeast tiger, South China tiger and cheetah were identified as Toxascaris leonina. Ascarids from the zebra were identified as Parascaris equorum, while those from chicken and peacocks were identified as Ascaridia galli. Ascarids of wolf and dog origin were Toxocara canis, the snake ascarids belonged to Ophidascaris filaria, and the bear ascarids belonged to Baylisascaris transfuga. There was a significant gap between different kinds of ascarid worms. We found that these two mitochondrial genes pcox1 and ITS showed a common characteristic that the intraspecific differences were significantly smaller than the interspecific differences, confirming that these two genes could be used as interspecific genetic markers for molecular identification of different ascarids origins. The intraspecific variation rate of the ITS gene was higher than that of pcox1, indicating that ITS can also be used in the genetic research of Ascaris species development. This study revealed the genetic evolution and phylogeny of ascarids in wild animals, and our results will help prevent and control ascarids in wild animals.

HELMINTHOFAUNA OF HORSES IN RYAZAN REGION

The high susceptibility of horses to invasive diseases caused by the intestinal helminthofauna, regardless of age, physiological state of the livestock of horse breeding farms, is still the object of research. The damage caused by helminths is a decrease in productivity and efficiency, weakening the immunity of horses and, with severe invasion, can lead to blockage of the intestines, colic and death of animals. Only timely detection of parasites and subsequent treatment, prevention of invasive diseases can prevent economic losses. The importance of studying the climatic and geographical distribution of these parasitic organisms becomes obvious. This paper discusses the presence of horse helminths as a phenomenon in the Ryazan Region. 26 fecal samples from horses aged 5–10 years were examined using the microscopy method. Samples of fresh feces were taken from individual stalls twice: on November 16, 2021 and on December 2, 2021. Identification of intestinal helminths was conducted by the Fulleborn method (with a saturated saline solution) followed by examination of drops under a microscope with a magnification of 400. As a result of the studies, eggs of Strongylus equinus, Parascaris equorum, as well as sexually mature representatives of Parascaris equorum after livestock deworming were found. Antiparasitic measures were selected taking into account the biology of the pathogen.

NEMATODE EGG RE-APPEARANCE PERIOD AFTER ANTHELMINTIC THERAPY IN HORSES IN THE MOSCOW REGION

The research purpose is studying early signs of the anthelmintic resistance development in equine nematode population on horse farms. This is possible with reference to the egg-reappearance period (ERP) after the treatment. The study was performed in the Moscow Region in 2020–2021. The horses were examined by the flotation method before the therapy. The data obtained made it possible to divide the animals into 5 experimental groups. Groups 1–2 included horses infected by strongyles. The treatment was given with Albendazole and Ivermectin. Groups 3–5 included horses infected with Parascaris equorum; they were treated with Fenbendazole, Ivermectin and Aversectin C. All horses from the experimental groups were examined on days 14, 42 and 84. Benzimidazoles and Aversectin C showed no ERP reduction. Despite the fact that Albendazole did not show 100% efficacy and an increase in eggs appeared in faeces of the horses began from day 42 (from week 6), these data correspond to the literature data on the ERP during the Albendazole therapy and do not indicate the development of any anthelmintic resistance. After Ivermectin, the growth of Strongylid and Parascaris eggs was detected in faeces of the horses on day 42 (from week 6), which was an ERP reduction as compared with the literature data at 9 weeks. The study was supported by the grant from the Russian Science Foundation (Project No. 20-76-00035).

EFFICACY OF IVERMACTIN AGANIST SOME NATURALLY ACQUIRED GASTRO-INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION IN MULES

The activity of a single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at dose of 200 mcg/kg of body weight was evaluated against naturally acquired gastro-intestinal parasites in mules. Faecal samples were examined at the time of treatment and weekly thereafter up to 4 weeks. Results indicated that invrmectin was highly effective (100%) against Oxyuries equi, Strongyloides westeri, Tristostronglus axei, Trichhonema spp., and Strongylus spp. as judged one week after ivermectin administration. &#x0D; Complete elimination of Parascaris equorum eggs occurred two weeks after treatment. In contrast, ivermectin was not effective against the tape worms, Anoplocephala spp.. Infected animals had low levels of haemoglobin and red blood cells counts and an elevated packed cell volume, white blood cells and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. &#x0D; These values returned to normal values 21 days post treatment. No adverse reaction was recorded in the treated animals.

The Intestinal impaction with Parascaris equorum in a captive zebra (Equus quagga boehmi) – A case report

The present report describes the case of small intestinal impaction with Parascaris equorum in captive zebra from the zoo “Pionirska dolina” in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A massive burden of nematodes occluding the lumen of the small intestine was observed. In addition to severe trauma of the muscle of rear leg, intestinal impaction was probably the main cause of death in the presented case. Regular control of the feces for the presence of parasitic eggs, deworming and husbandry measures were commented.

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.

Supercapacitance/Resistance Behaviors of Helminth Eggs as Reliable Recognition and Direct Differentiation Probe.

Parasitic helminths are usually known as undesired pathogens, causing various diseases in both human and animal species. In this study, we explore supercapacitance/resistance behaviors as a novel probe for rapid identification and direct differentiation of Fasciola hepatica, Parascaris equorum (with and without larvae), Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Taenia multiceps, and Moniezia expansa eggs. This claim is attributed to some characteristics, such as grave supercapacitance/area, high-energy storage/area, large power/egg, huge permittivity, and great electrical break-down potential, respectively (Fasciola hepatica: 2,158, 0.485, 2.7 × 10–3, 267, 52.6, Parascaris equorum without larvae: 2,825, 0.574, 3.0 × 10–3, 351, 68.4, Parascaris equorum with larvae: 4,519, 0.716, 2.4 × 10–3, 1.96, 97.6, Dicrocoelium dendriticum: 1,581, 0.219, 2.8 × 10–3, 1.96, 48.8, Moniezia expansa: 714, 0.149, 2.2 × 10–3, 0.88, 35.2, Taenia multiceps: 3,738, 0.619, 4.7 × 10–3, 4.63, 84.4), and durable capacitance up to at least 15,000 sequential cycles at different scan rates (between 2.0 × 10−4 and 120.0 V s−1) as well as highly differentiated resistance between 400 and 600 Ω. These traits are measured by the “Blind Patch-Clamp” method, at the giga ohm sealed condition (6.18 ± 0.12 GΩ cm−1, n = 5). Significant detection ranges are detected for each capacitance and resistance with gradient limits as large as at least 880 to 1,000 mF and 400 to 600 Ω depending on the type of helminth egg. The effect of water in the structure of helminth eggs has also been investigated with acceptable reproducibility (RSD 7%–10%, n = 5). These intrinsic characteristics would provide novel facilitators for direct helminth egg identification in comparison with several methods, such as ELISA, PCR, and microscopic methods.

Diode and Active Negative Resistance Behaviors of Helminth Eggs as a Novel Identification/Differentiation Probe.

Helminths have always been studied as one of the critically annoying pathogens of parasite classes due to their adverse effects on the ecosystem of human life. They have the potency to negatively affect their hosts as points of disease, infection, cancer, and death, but in this study, we found interesting electronic properties in Fasciola hepatica, Parascaris equorum (with and without larvae), Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Taenia multiceps, and Moniezia expansa eggs. This claim is attributed to some surprising characteristics such as significant diode behavior [forward bias, 5.36–11.17 (±0.01) V, versus the ground, GND] and backward bias (−45.0 to −125.0 (±7.0) V, versus the GND) and highly active negative resistance (−2.59 to −7.11) × 1015 (±1.5) Ω in the AC mode. These traits were measured by the “blind patch-clamp, single-unit recording” methodology using a three-microelectrode system, implanted onto each tested egg under giga ohm sealed conditions (6.28 ± 0.02 GΩ cm–1 and n = 4). All the characteristic parameters were simultaneously attributed to the helminth egg structure by acceptable reproducibility (percentage of relative standard deviation: > 5%) and high enough rectitude with enough differentiation in their magnitudes, relatively. The reliability of these results was further confirmed using multiple calibrated techniques such as alternative/direct current voltammetry. Also, the significant role of water molecules as the key medium in creating these properties is evaluated qualitatively. In addition, the study aims at introducing these interesting parameters as a new approach to the fabrication of bio-based electronic elements, which are considered as a novel class of helminth egg-detection and -identification probes.

СТЕПЕНЬ ИНВАЗИРОВАННОСТИ ЛОШАДЕЙ PARASCARIS EQUORUM ПРИ РАЗНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ

The significant dependence on the invasion of Parascaris equorum horses with different maintenance technologies was studied. Methods of helminthocoprooscopy revealed the spread of parascaridosis of horses kept in stable and herd conditions in the Pobeda farm in the Cheremshansky district of the Republic of Tatarstan. The high invasion of animals with herd and stable housing is apparently associated with a large contamination of horse stalls, stables, care items and the surrounding area with parascaride eggs. The maximum parasiticidal infection of horses was established with stable maintenance. As a result of the studies, it was found that the maximum extent of invasion (EI) of horses in the examined farm with stable technology of keeping was 42.8 % and herd content was 37.5 %. The intensity of invasion (II) by parascarides varied from 23.7±3.4 to 77.3±5.6 ind. eggs in 1 g of feces, depending on the technology of maintenance.

Evaluation of immune responses and oxidative stress in donkeys: Immunological studies provoked by Parascaris equorum infection

This study aimed to assess the effects of Parascaris equorum (P. equorum) in infected donkeys through evaluation the oxidative stress and different gene parameters in infected tissues. Fifty donkeys were examined in Giza Zoo abattoir from the period of January to March 2021. Blood and sera samples were collected from each examined donkey. P. equorum were subjected for identification through scanning electron microscope study and the infected tissues were subjected into gene expression analysis using two genes; interleukin 1β (IL1- β); and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) with assessment of the antioxidant and free radicals released from the animals during the infection. Eighteen donkeys were positive for P. equorum adult or larvae by postmortem examination of the intestine and abdomen with prevalence rate of 36 %. The examined infected donkeys with P. equorum showed significantly higher of Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) 2.45 ± 0.53 than that in non-infected control donkeys. The levels of AST enzyme were 278.54 ± 0.45 while ALT enzyme was 14.97 ± 0.87 which was significantly higher than that of control negative donkeys. The infected donkeys with P. equorum showed significantly upregulation of the TNF-α and IL-1β which classify according to number of collected worms. The P. equorum infected donkeys exerted at least 100 eggs of parasite in feces. The fecal egg count was marked decreased after treatment with moxidectin. Moxidectin is considered a novel active ingredient that has a marvelous result with high persistency and protection for long time, in addition to, broad spectrum activity and low or no resistance. We recommend the periodical deworming with different molecules as more economic and lifesaving over a single treatment every 12 months parallel with parasitic testing.

Seasonal Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horse (Equus Ferus Caballus) From Dhaka City Bangladesh

The study was conducted to understand the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horse during June, 2017 to April, 2018 from Bangladesh National Zoo, Puran Dhaka and Rajarbagh Police Line of Dhaka city. A total of 48 faecal samples were collected from horses and examined by Direct Smearing technique and Formol Ether Concentration technique. Out of 48 samples 47 found positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infection with an overall prevalence of 97.92 %. Highest prevalence was identified (77.1 %) in Parascaris equorum, followed by 70.8 % in Hymenolepis nana, 62.5 % in Isospora sp., 50 % in Ancylostoma duodenale, 39.6 % in Toxocara sp., 35.4 % in Entamoeba sp., 25 % in Trichuris sp., 20.8 % in Fasciola hepatica 16.67 % in Capillaria sp., 8.3 % in Taenia sp. and Opisthorchis sinensis, 4.2 % in Moniezia benedeni and Thysaniezia sp. Highest intensity (72.97± 46.32) was found for Isospora sp. The p value was 0.01, p &lt; 0.05 so the prevalence rate was statistically significant.A significant difference was founded in prevalence between male and female horse where females were highly infected and also seasonal variation showed significant differences. Highest prevalence was recorded in winter and Rainy season (100 %) followed by summer (95 %). The intensity of parasites was highest in rainy season (63.38 ±79.94) followed by summer (55.47 ±29.73) and winter (49.5 ±28.58) Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 301-319, 2021

Very low intraspecific sequence variation in selected nuclear and mitochondrial Parascaris univalens genes.

Equines were over decades considered to be infected by two morphologically virtually indistinguishable ascarid species, Parascaris univalens and Parascaris equorum. Reliable species discrimination is only possible using enzyme isoelectric focussing and karyotyping with P. univalens having one and P. equorum two chromosome pairs. However, presumably the complexity of both methods prevented their routine use in nearly all previous studies about prevalence and drug resistance of Parascaris spp. These have barely been performed on the species level although most studies stated presence of one or the other species. Recently, only P. univalens has been identified by karyotyping and the last published study identifying P. equorum dates back to 1989. In order to improve species-specific detection, molecular markers are required. Here, partial 12S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 and-2 sequences were obtained from 24 karyotyped Parascaris specimens from Poland and 6 German specimens (not karyotyped) and used in phylogenetic analyses with orthologous sequences from GenBank. All karyotyped specimens were identified as P. univalens. In the phylogenetic analysis, they formed very homogenous clusters for all target genes and in a multi-locus analysis. Within this cluster, almost all sequences from GenBank were also included, no matter if they had been assigned to P. univalens or P. equorum. However, a small number of P. univalens ITS and COI sequences originating from donkeys from a single farm in China formed a highly supported sister cluster suggesting that they might represent another Parascaris genotype or species. Our data also strongly suggest that nearly all ITS and COI sequences previously deposited in GenBank and assigned to P. equorum actually represent P. univalens. The fact that significantly different sequences can be found in Parascaris spp. suggests that PCR-based species diagnosis will be possible once molecular markers have been identified for P. equorum from karyotyped specimens.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines of Mustang District, Nepal

Abstract. Devkota RP, Subedi JR, Wagley K. 2021. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines of Mustang District, Nepal. Biodiversitas 22: 3958-3963. The study was conducted from March 2018 to November 2018 in four villages of Mustang district to find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines (horses and mules). Fecal samples collected from 175 randomly selected equines (105 from horses and 70 from mules) were preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate and microscopically examined using concentration techniques to detect ova, larvae, and oocysts of parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was found to be 84.57% with an incidence rate of 81.90% and 88.57% in horses and mules respectively. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites between horses and mules did not vary significantly (p&gt;0.05). Also no significant association (p&gt;0.05) between the prevalence rate of parasites and study areas was observed. Among identified parasites in horses, Strongyles showed the highest prevalence (68.57%) followed by Strongyloides spp. (23.80%), and Parascaris equorum (14.28%) and in mules Strongyles showed the highest prevalence (80.0%) followed by Parascaris equorum (35.71%), Strongyloides spp. (28.57%), and Dictyocaulus spp. (5.71%). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites showed no significant variation (p&gt;0.05) with respect to age and feeding status. However, the prevalence rate significantly varied (p&lt;0.05) with respect to parameters like infection status (single and mixed), housing condition and health status. The present study revealed a higher prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites due to poor husbandry practices and lack of adequate veterinary services. Therefore, improvement in housing and feeding system, awareness regarding effective regular deworming, and establishment of veterinary hospitals in the study areas were recommended.

HELMINTHOFAUNA OF HORSES IN TYUMEN REGION

Today, helminthous invasions in horses are one of the important problems for veterinary specialists, since the action of helminths significantly affects the general condition of horses, allergic and toxic manifestations of diseases are observed, external qualities are worsened, performance, endurance, natural resistance are reduced, which leads to the emergence of diseases of various etiologies. We set the goal – to study the helminthofauna of horses in the Tyumen region. For the study of horse helminthoses, an animal survey was conducted in the period 2017–2020. As a result of the data obtained, it was found that horses have a mixed helminthose invasion consisting of nematodes of the Oxyuridae family (Oxyuris equi) during the parasitization of which, in horses, it was revealed – the rumpleness of the hair-covering of the dock, the formation of bald patches and the release of white plaque from the anal orifice, with Ascaridae (Parascaris equorum) there were seizures of cough and nasal secretions, as well as horses had reduced appetite and increased fatigue, with Strongyloididae (Strongyloides westeri) – foals had a delay in molting and an increase in abdominal volume, the Strongylata suborder caused digestive disorder with colic attacks. To prevent the spread of helminthous invasions, it is necessary to carry out the main integrated system for control helminthosis, which includes veterinary, sanitary and therapeutic and preventive events.

HORSE HELMINTH FAUNA OF THE CITY OF KALUGA

Horse intestinal helminthiasis is widespread. The helminth fauna of horses differs in different areas. Intestinal helminthiasis affects most horses of the livestock at stud farms, especially with herd keeping The article presents a study of the diversity of the helminth fauna of horses in the city of Kaluga. Microscopically examined 60 fecal samples taken from the stalls of 30 sports horses aged 2 to 15 years. Samples were taken twice, the first time on 06/17/2019, the second time on 09/27/2019. Helminth-endoscopic examinations for the diagnosis of intestinal helminthiasis were performed by the Fulleborn method with a solution of sodium salt and by the Kotelnikov-Khrenov method with ammonium nitrate. Then, before crystallization, each drop was examined under a microscope with a magnification of 400. As a result of the study, eggs of the helminth Strongylus equines were found in 49 samples out of 60. The eggs found had a typical oval shape, measuring 0.07-0.09 x 0.04-0.05 mm. The shell was two-contour, gray in color. In 34 samples from 60 subjects, immature eggs of Parascaris equorum were found. Eggs are rounded in shape, with a diameter of 0.1 mm. The shell of the eggs was dense, dark brown in color. On the territory of the city of Kaluga, horses are found to have intestinal diseases.