A survey on the prevalence of internal parasites of equines in macedonia and Thessalia-Greece

A 3-year survey was conducted to determine the incidence of endoparasitic infection of equines in several regions of Macedonia and Thessalia, Greece. Three hundred fecal and 252 blood samples were examined. Fecal examination was carried out using. Teleman and Faust techniques while blood was examined according to the modified Knott technique. The Graham test was also performed. The prevalence of infection found was 62.4% for horses, 75.7% for donkeys and 89.2% for mules. Strongyles (large and small) were the most common parasitic species found, with a corresponding prevalence of 42.5% and 45.6% for horses, 73.0% and 37.8% for donkeys, and 89.2% for mules. Other parasites found were: Eimeria leuckarti (2.6% in horses and 8.1% in donkeys), Anoplocephala perfoliata (0.4% in horses), Parascaris equorum (1.7% in horses), Oxyuris equi (4.1% in horses and 8.7% in mules), Strongyloides westeri (2.2% in horses, 5.4% in donkeys and 10.8% in mules), Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (0.9% in horses and 2.7% in donkeys) and Setaria equina (2.2% in horses and 2.7% in donkeys).     

Prevalence and intensity of non-strongyle intestinal parasites of horses in northern Queensland

A quantitative post-mortem study of 57 horses from northern Queensland was done to determine the prevalence and intensity of non-strongyle intestinal parasites. The following species (% prevalence) were found: Draschia megastoma (39%); Habronema muscae (43%); Gasterophilus intestinalis (34%), G. nasalis (30%); Parascaris equorum (15%); Strongyloides westeri (6%); Probstmayria vivipara (2%); Oxyuris equi (26%); Anoplocephala magna (2%); A. perfoliata (32%). Mean parasite numbers of individual species ranged from 10 to 1310. Prevalence and intensity data were compared to recent studies in Western Australia and in the United States of America. Differences between stabled and paddocked horses were noted, particularly for botfly larvae and spiruroids. Climatic and seasonal changes in prevalence were restricted to H. muscae, G. nasalis and P. equorum with highest prevalence in the wet season or in horses from wet coastal areas. Only P. equorum showed any age effect being restricted to horses less than 5 years old. Breed and sex of horses was not important. The likelihood of changing parasite population dynamics with improved anthelmintic regimen is discussed.     

The anthelmintic efficacy of cambendazole in horses

The anthelmintic activity of cambendazole 31% paste was evaluated in a controlled trial against naturally acquired gastro-intestinal parasites of the horse. Four groups of five adult horses were treated at dose rates of 0, 15, 20 and 25 mg/kg. The three dose levels of cambendazole tested were efficacious against the large strongyles Strongylus edentatus and S. vulgaris, the stomach worm Trichostrongylus axei, the pinworms Oxyuris equi and Probstmayria vivipara and all the species of small strongyles present. No efficacy was demonstrated against the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata or the horse bots Gasterophilus intestinalis or G. nasalis     

Prevalence of selected species of internal parasites in equids at necropsy in central Kentucky (1995-1999)

A survey to determine current prevalence of several species of endoparasites in equids (n=350) at necropsy was conducted at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in central Kentucky (1995-1999). Thelazia lacrymalis were found in 42% of the 1- to 4-year olds (n=132), which was the only age group examined for these parasites. Five- to 30-year olds (n=157), examined for Onchocerca spp. worms/lesions, had a prevalence of 24%. In > or =1-year olds (n=324), the infection rate for Gasterophilus intestinalis was 12% for second instars and 14% for third instars and for Gasterophilus nasalis was 2% for second instars and 2% for third instars. For Anoplocephala perfoliata (n=268 equids), prevalence was 52%. Data were compiled for the equids according to breed, age, sex, month of necropsy, and number of parasites. Arterial lesions caused by migrating Strongylus vulgaris larvae were observed in a low number (3 of 52) of equids. Specific examination for Parascaris equorum revealed that 46% of 13 weanlings and 10% of 20 older horses were infected. Anoplocephala magna were found in one of the weanlings. Compared to previous studies (about 15-25 years ago) in Kentucky, the present survey indicated the genera Onchocerca and Gasterophilus greatly declined but Thelazia, Anoplocephala, and Parascaris did not.     

Prevalence of some internal parasites found (1971–1989) in horses born on a farm in central kentucky

Prevalence of several species of naturally acquired internal parasites are reported from a total of 97 horses (mostly mixed lighthorse type) from a farm in central Kentucky. The horses were born and raised in 2 adjacent fields (No. 4 - n=44 and No. 10 − n=53) over a 19-year-period (1971–1989). They were 100 to 537 days old (av. 281) when examined; an exception was a 819-day-old not calculated in the average age. Some of the horses were not examined for all of the parasites. These horses (never previously treated) were all used in critical or controlled tests for evaluation of antiparasitic activity of drugs. Dams and other horses in the fields rarely were given an antiparasitic compound.Prevalence and aggregate mean numbers of parasites in infected animals (in parentheses) for the 97 horses are: bots — Gasterophilus intestinalis 2nd instar, 65%(45), 3rd instar, 96%(210), Gasterophilus nasalis 2nd instar, 18%(10), 3rd instar, 63%(10); stomach worms — Habronema muscae, 73%(78), Draschia megastoma, 42%(53); ascarids — Parascaris equorum mature, 75%(45), immature 36%(29), tapeworms — Anoplocephala perfoliata, 33%(7); large strongyles — Strongylus vulgaris, 95%(80) (data on horses ≥180 days old), Strongylus edentatus, 94%(34) (data on horses ≥330 days old); pinworms — Oxyuris equi, 43%(87); eyeworms — Thelazia lacrymalis, 61%(6); S. vulgaris in cranial mesenteric artery, 92%(53); and S. edentatus in ventral abdominal wall, 98% (56). Differentiation was made for the data by season and by age of the horses when they were examined. Information from this research reflects the transmission patterns and prevalence of these parasites under natural conditions.     

Efficacy of ivermectin (22,23-dihydroavermectin B1) against gastrointestinal parasites in ponies

The controlled test method was used to evaluate the antiparasitic efficacy of IM inoculated 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1 (ivermectin) against gastrointestinal parasites of horses (ponies). Parasite infections were naturally acquired in southern Louisiana. Dose levels of the drug tested were 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, and 0.5 mg/kg. Ivermectin at all dose levels tested had an efficacy greater than 97% (P less than 0.05) against Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae, Trichostrongylus axei, Oxyuris equi larvae, Strongylus vulgaris, S edentatus, 15 species of small strongyles, and small strongyle larvae. Ponies were less uniformly infected with Habronema sp larvae, G nasalis larvae, Parascaris equorum, O equi adults, Anoplocephala perfoliata, S equinus, and 11 small strongyle species, and statistical analysis was not possible to do. However, observations indicate that the drug was also highly effective against these species. There were no gross or clinical reactions observed in treated animals. Dissections of the injection sites revealed spindle-shaped lesions, 3 to 5 cm long, in a few ponies in all treatment groups, including those given the placebo injection.     

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Stabled and Grazing Horses in Central and Northern Greece

The aim of this investigation was to compare parasites found in feces from stabled and grazing horses in Greece. For this, a total of 223 fecal samples were collected from horses from various parts of Central and Northern Greece. One hundred fifty were stabled and 73 were grazing horses, used for riding, working, or breeding. One hundred came from seven riding clubs, 73 from one breeding farm, and 50 were work horses from five farms. Parasitologic investigation was performed by applying three fecal examination techniques (Teleman's, zinc flotation, and stained smears) to detect ova, larvae, and oocysts of parasites. It was found that 77 the 223 horses (34.5%) in the study were infected with one or more parasite species. In the stabled horses, the most common parasites detected were eggs of strongyles, Strongyloides spp, Anoplocephala spp, Habronema spp, and Parascaris equorum and oocysts of Eimeria spp and Cryptosporidium spp; in the grazing horses, Anoplocephala spp. Strongyles were significantly more prevalent in the group of stabled horses than in the other group (P < .05). The results of the current study demonstrate that parasite infection is highly prevalent in horses in Greece.     

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in Perth. To apply polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of some species of encysted larval cyathostomes. DESIGN: Between February and September of 2000, the gastrointestinal tracts of 29 horses submitted to a local knackery and Murdoch University Veterinary hospital in Perth were examined post mortem for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. PROCEDURE: The gastrointestinal tract was divided into six sections, which were screened for the presence of parasites such as Gasterophilus sp, Anoplocephala sp and Parascaris equorum. Samples of contents were taken for worm counts. RESULTS: Cyathostomes were found in 28 of the 29 horses. Eighteen species of gastrointestinal helminths were identified. Twelve of these were cyathostomes, with the four most common species being Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cylicostephanus longibursatus and Cylicostephanus goldi. The large strongyle, Triodontophorus serratus, was found in three of the horses but species of Strongylus were not found. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to a study conducted on horses from this region in 1985, cyathostomes were the most common gastrointestinal parasites found. The four most common cyathostome species found in the present study correlated well with findings of studies in other locations. The high number of cyathostomes may be due to the increase in resistance to anthelmintics among the species, and to improper anthelmintic use. The apparent reduction in number of large strongyles may be due to the widespread use of ivermectin, which is very effective against these parasites, and also possibly because some larvae may not have been detected.     

Gastrointestinal parasites of mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda.

Ninety-eight fecal samples were collected from 74 free-living mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) from the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda, between July 1995 and January 1997 and examined for parasites by Sheather's sugar and zinc sulfate flotation methods, trichrome staining, and larval cultures. All samples contained at least one parasite. Seventeen endoparasites were identified, including eight protozoa, seven nematodes, one cestode, and one trematode. Two species of arthropod mite were also recovered from the fecal samples. Parasites observed on fecal examinations included strongyle/trichostrongyle-type eggs (72/74) (representing Oesphagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Hyostrongylus spp., and possibly Murshidia sp.), Strongyloides sp. (1/74), Trichuris trichiura (2/74), Probstmayria sp. (7/74), Anoplocephala sp. (63/74), Entamoeba hartmanni cysts and trophozoites (19/70), Endolimax nana cysts (31/70), Iodamoeba buetschlii cysts (11/70), Endolimax nana or Iodamoeba buetschlii trophozoites (63/70). Entamoeba coli cysts and trophozoites (14/70), Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite (1/70), Chilomastix sp. cysts and trophozoites (31/70), and Giardia sp. cysts (2/70). In addition, one ascarid and one trematode egg were seen. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of parasites between males and females and between age groups: however, infants and juveniles appeared to have a lower prevalence of Anoplocephala gorillae, and the silverbacked males appeared to have a higher prevalence of Probstmayria sp. Parasite prevalence was consistent among the five social groups studied except Susa group had a significantly lower prevalence of Anoplocephala gorillae. Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides sp., Chilomastix sp., and Endolimax nana were identified for the first time in this population, and it is possible that these parasites were of human origin. Although there were no obvious clinical effects due to the presence of these parasites, six parasites identified (Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides sp., Oesphagostomum sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia sp.) could potentially be pathogenic. Some of the parasite products and cultured larvae could not be speciated.     

Critical tests of morantel-trichlorfon paste formulation against internal parasites of the horse

Critical tests were completed on six horses to evaluate the antiparasitic activity of a paste formulation mixture of morantel citrate and trichlorfon, administered intraorally at the dose rate of 6 mg morantel base kg-1 and trichlorfon at 30 mg kg-1. Aggregate average removals were: 78% for two horses infected with 2nd instar Gasterophilus intestinalis; 100% for one infected with 2nd instar G. nasalis; 96% for six infected with 3rd instar G. intestinalis; 100% for four infected with 3rd instar G. nasalis; 100% for five infected with Parascaris equorum; 100% for one infected with mature Oxyuris equi; 100% for five infected with Strongylus vulgaris; 72% for five infected with S. edentatus; and partial removal (25%) of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection from one infected animal. Pre- and post-treatment EPG and LPG data indicated a reduction of 97% of the mature small strongyle infections. Evidence of toxicosis was not observed in any of the horses.     

Helminths of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Bashkir ASSR

Guinea fowl from different regions of Bashkir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (BASSR) were examined for helminths. Of the 547 fowl examined, 451 (82.4%) harboured at least one species of helminth. A total of 56,772 helminths were collected and classified. Of this number seven were found to be trematodes, 25 cestodes and 56,740 nematodes. Five species of helminths were identified. Amongst infected birds, trematodes were present in three (0.7%), cestodes in eight (1.8%) and nematodes in 451 (100%). Of all recorded helminths, the incidence of Heterakis gallinarum (Gmelin, 1790) was highest. Pre-patent periods for seven species of trematodes were observed in guinea fowl for the first time.     

Prevalence of some internal parasites recovered at necropsy of Thoroughbreds born in 1982 in Kentucky

A total of 89 Thoroughbreds, 14 to 333 days old (born in 1982), were examined at necropsy for certain internal parasites during a 1-year-period, Mar 1, 1982, to Feb 28, 1983. The eyes of 73 of the horses and the cranial mesenteric arteries of 71 were examined. Specific interest was on prevalence of parasites according to month of the year and age of the horses at necropsy. Parasites recovered (first month-last month infected horse found) were as follows: Thelazia lacrymalis (eyes) immature and mature (June - February); Habronema/Draschia (lungs) immature (May - September); Habronema muscae (stomach) immature (July - February) and mature (September - February); Draschia megastoma (stomach) immature (August - December), mature (August - February), and lesions (September - February); Gasterophilus intestinalis (stomach) 2nd instars (July - February) and 3rd instars (August - February); Gasterophilus nasalis (stomach) 2nd instars (August - November) and 3rd instars (August - February); Parascaris equorum (lungs) immature (March - November), P equorum (small intestine) immature (March - February), and mature (July - February); Strongyloides westeri (small intestine) mature (March - September); Anoplocephala perfoliata (cecum) immature and mature (August - February); Strongylus vulgaris (cranial mesenteric artery) immature and mature (May - February). Other parasites recovered, but only from 1 or 2 horses each (months found in infected horses) were: Thelazia skrjabini (eyes) (October), Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (lungs) (January); Trichostrongylus axei (stomach) (October); Anoplocephala magna (small intestine) (October, November); S vulgaris (cecum) (November); Strongylus edentatus (cecum) (January); Setaria spp (abdominal cavity) (January). Influence of probable chemotherapy of the horses on prevalence of the parasites is discussed.     

神木县羊寄生蠕虫种类及感染情况初步研究

为了解神木县羊寄生虫的感染情况,2011年7月～8月,采用蠕虫学完全剖检法抽样检查30只羊。共发现寄生虫11种,其中线虫8种:粗纹食道口线虫(Oesophagostomum asperum)、捻转血矛线虫(Haemonchus contortus)、毛尾线虫(Trichuris sp.)、细颈线虫(Nematodirus sp.)、羊仰口线虫(Bunosto-mum trigoncephalum)、毛圆线虫(Trichostrongylus sp.)、美丽筒线虫(Gongylonema pulchrum)、尖尾线虫(Oxyuris sp.);吸虫1种:矛形歧腔吸虫(Dicrocoelium lanceatum);绦虫2种:莫尼茨绦虫(Monieziasp.)、细颈囊尾蚴(Cysticercus tenuicollis)。其中线虫、绦虫感染率高,感染强度大。捻转血矛线虫感染率80%,粗纹食道口线虫感染率45%,细颈囊尾蚴感染率45%,为优势种。     

Transmission of endoparasites in horse foals born on the same pasture on a farm in central Kentucky (1996-1999)

Research carried out during the last 4 years (1996-1999) of an 11-year study of the prevalence of internal parasites naturally transmitted to horse foals born on the same pasture on a farm in central Kentucky is presented here. Horses in this herd were not treated with any antiparasitic compound for over 20 years except for a replacement stallion in 1994. A total of 22 species, including 12 species of small strongyles, were recovered in the 4-year period. Transmission patterns of all species (n=35) of endoparasites recovered are compared for the 11-year study. Some of the changes were an increase in number of Thelazia lacrymalis and Anoplocephala perfoliata and a decrease in Gasterophilus intestinalis, Parascaris equorum, and Strongylus vulgaris. Clinical problems associated with parasitism were not observed in any of the 92 foals in the long-term investigation.     

Parasites of the stomach in donkeys of the highveld of Zimbabwe

Fourteen donkeys from a communal area of the Zimbabwean highveld were examined for stomach parasites during July and November of 1986 and January and April of 1987. All 14 animals were infected. Habronema muscae occurred in 12, Draschia megastoma in 11, H. majus in 9, Trichostrongylus axei in 9, Gasterophilus intestinalis in 14 and G. nasalis in 1 donkey. The lowest level of infection was in January for the helminths and in April for Gasterophilus larvae. The peak burdens of parasites were in July for Habronema spp. and in November for D. megastoma and Gasterophilus larvae. Infections with spirurid worms and Gasterophilus develop mainly from the middle of the rainy season to the beginning of the dry season (January to May/June). G. intestinalis seems to have an annual cycle.     

Prevalence of internal parasites in horses in critical tests of activity of parasiticides over a 28-year period (1956-1983) in Kentucky

The prevalence and number of naturally acquired gastrointestinal parasites were compiled for horses used in critical tests of activity of parasiticides over a 28-year period (1956-1983). Data are presented as follows: n = number of horses examined; % = mean prevalence; number in parentheses after % = aggregate mean number of parasites in infected horses. Parasites found were: bots (n = 513) - Gasterophilus intestinalis, 2nd instar, 61%(58); 3rd instar, 94%(168); G. nasalis, 2nd instar, 36%(28); 3rd instar, 81%(51); stomach worms (n = 200) - Habronema muscae, 65%(179); Draschia megastoma, 29%(95); Trichostrongylus axei, 46%(3000); ascarids (n = 513) - Parascaris equorum, mature, 50%(25); immature, 23%(33); tapeworms (n = 513), Anoplocephala perfoliata, 17%(15); A. magna, 14%(10); large strongyles (n = 487), Strongylus vulgaris, 84%(80); S. edentatus, 79%(101); S. equinus, 6%(14); small strongyles (n = 210), 100%(142,000); pinworms (Oxyuris equi), immature (n = 210), 78%(9000); mature (n = 506), 40%(62); Probstmayria vivipara (n = 210), 12%(10(7]; S. vulgaris in cranial mesenteric artery (n = 472), 89%(57). The majority of the horses examined were mixed lighthorse type but several Thoroughbreds were included. Ages varied from about 4 months to 20 years old, with most being approximately 1-3 years old. They probably had either no or infrequent previous treatment with parasiticides. Most of the horses were selected for presence of certain internal parasites, usually large strongyles, prior to usage in the critical tests.     

A parasitological survey of wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the province of Guadalajara, Spain

An epizootiological survey of leishmaniosis, coccidiosis and parasitic helminths in 67 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was conducted in Guadalajara (central Spain). Examination for parasitic protozoa revealed prevalences of 74% Leishmania (determined by molecular methods) and 2.9% coccidia oocysts (fecal flotation). Survey of parasitic helminths (fecal flotation/necropsy) demonstrated the presence of nine species, including six nematodes, two cestodes and one trematode. Nematodes were the most common parasites of foxes, followed by cestodes and trematodes. Greater levels of nematodes like Uncinaria, with a free-living stage in its life-cycle, were found in foxes in areas where moist soils were likely to exist, in contrast to areas of semiarid characteristics, where Toxascaris leonina or Trichuris vulpis were predominant. With regard to helminths of importance as human pathogens, trichinoscopy revealed the presence of a relatively high number of foxes (8.9%) infected with Trichinella spiralis. Finally, Toxocara canis infection was less frequent (4.4%) than trichinellosis.     

Analysis of the strongylid nematodes (Nematoda: Strongylidae) community after deworming of brood horses in Ukraine

Communities of intestinal helminths in horses are commonly studied post mortem. The study objectives were here to examine the species composition of the strongylid community in brood horses in Ukraine after deworming with an aversectin drug Univerm. The site distribution of the strongylid species was analysed according to dynamics of their expulsion in faeces. Forty-four horses of different ages from Poltavska oblast (22 horses), Kyivska oblast (17 horses) and Sumska oblast (5 horses) of Ukraine were included in the study. Horses were treated with Univerm anthelmintic (0.2% aversectin) at a dose rate of 0.5mg aversectin preparation per kg body weight. Faecal sampling (200 g each) was performed at 24, 36, 48 and 60 h post treatment, and all nematodes expelled were collected and identified. The largest numbers of strongylids were expelled at 24--36 h after treatment. Twenty-five nematode species from the subfamilies Strongylinae and Cyathostominae were identified. The number of strongylid species found per horse ranged from 7 to 20, on an average 11+/-3.6 (S.D.). The number of cyathostomin species found per horse ranged from 7 to 16, on an average 10+/-2.3 (S.D.). Cylicocyclus nassatus and Cyathostomum catinatum were the most dominant species were found in 100% of horses, amounting to 36.3% and 17.6% of the total number of strongylids collected, respectively. C. longibursatus, C. ashworthi, Cylicostephanus calicatus, C. leptostomus and C. minutus were identified in more than 80% horses and represented 39.9% of the total number of strongylids collected. The dynamics of the different strongylid species expelled was irregular. Correlation between the time of cyathostomin species expulsion in faeces and their predicted localisation inside the horse intestine was found. Species mainly localised in the caecum were found in faeces later than those species localised in the dorsal and ventral colons. Larvae and adult Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and botfly larvae from the genus Gasterophilus were also found in horse faeces. This investigation shows that is possible to study the horse strongylid community after deworming with aid of an aversectin drug. The results obtained here correspond to those recorded in previous autopsy surveys in other countries.     

Epidemiological studies of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and coccidia infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe

Between January 1999 and December 2000 faecal samples from 16264 cattle at 12 dipping sites in the highveld and nine in the lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) nematode and cestodes eggs, and coccidia oocysts. Strongyle larvae were identified following culture of pooled faecal samples collected at monthly intervals. The effects of region, age, sex and season on the prevalence of GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia were determined. Faecal egg and oocyst counts showed an overall prevalence of GI nematodes of 43%, coccidia 19.8% and cestodes 4.8%. A significantly higher prevalence of infection with GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia was recorded in calves (P < 0.01) than in adults. Pregnant and lactating cows had significantly higher prevalences than bulls, oxen and non-lactating (dry cows) (P < 0.01). The general trend of eggs per gram (epg) of faeces and oocysts per gram (opg) of faeces was associated with the rainfall pattern in the two regions, with high epg and opg being recorded during the wet months. The most prevalent genera of GI nematodes were Cooperia, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus in that order. Strongyloides papillosus was found exclusively in calves. Haemonchus was significantly more prevalent during the wet season than the dry season (P < 0.01). In contrast, Trichostrongylus was present in significantly (P < 0.01) higher numbers during the dry months than the wet months, while Cooperia and Oesophagostomum revealed no significant differences between the wet and dry season. These findings are discussed with reference to their relevance for strategic control of GI parasites in cattle in communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe.