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Topic:Nematodes
Nematodes are parasitic worms that can infect horses, affecting their health and well-being. These parasites typically inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of equines, where they can cause a variety of health issues. Common nematodes affecting horses include strongyles, ascarids, and pinworms. The presence and load of nematodes in horses can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, colic, and diarrhea, and can impact overall performance and health. Monitoring and managing nematode infections is an important aspect of equine veterinary care. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the biology, epidemiology, and management strategies of nematode infections in horses.
Cyathostomin species richness and alpha diversity at egg reappearance following fecal egg count-based selective ivermectin treatment. Cyathostomin nematodes are ubiquitous in grazing horses. The overuse of anthelmintics has led to increasing problems with drug resistance to benzimidazoles and pyrantel. Although macrocyclic lactones (ML), such as ivermectin, generally retain the highest efficacy, reduced ML efficacy has increasingly been reported. A shortened egg reappearance period (ERP) is frequently used as an indicator of reduced susceptibility. However, the species-specific response dynamics after ivermectin treatment are inadequately characterized in cyathostomins. The objective of this study was to compare the cyathost...
Prevalence, distribution, and associated risk factors of major equine endoparasitic infections in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Endoparasites remain major constraints on equine health and productivity in Ethiopia; however, epidemiological data from northwestern regions are limited. This study investigated the occurrence, parasite diversity, infection intensity, and risk factors associated with endoparasite infections in equines in northwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using coprological examinations complemented by postmortem inspections. Standard parasitological techniques were employed, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of infection. Data were analyz...
SURVIVAL ON THE MARGINS: NICHE PARTITIONING AND DENSITY-DEPENDENT SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF EQUINE CYATHOSTOMINS. Habitat preferences of gastrointestinal nematodes are well-documented in small hosts, but equine cyathostomin diversity has largely been characterized only at farm or regional levels. While organ-level site preferences are known, within-organ spatial distributions remain unexplored. We investigated the longitudinal and radial distribution of adult cyathostomins within the large-intestinal lumen. Intact large intestines from 5 Shetland ponies were frozen post-necropsy and transected into 4-cm sections. Three micro-habitat samples (2.5 cm diameter) were collected per section. We recovered 2,444 ...
Prevalence of equine lungworm (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) infection and associated risk factors in Egypt. infection is a common parasitic respiratory disease of equines that can adversely affect animal health, welfare, and productivity. However, epidemiological information on this infection remains limited in many regions of Egypt. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and identify associated risk factors among equines in three Egyptian governorates. Unassigned: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 equines, including 150 donkeys, 55 mules, and 210 horses. Animals were examined for , and data on species, age, body condition, and deworming history were collected. Associations bet...
Simple and efficient HPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous extraction and quantification of anthelmintics in equine manure. Anthelmintic treatment is a common practice in horses. The presence of pharmaceutical residues in fields and pastures is well-documented affecting various organisms, like nematodes. This study describes the development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for extracting and determining the concentrations of four commonly used anthelmintics in horse manure. Manure was initially dried, then spiked with various concentrations (10-10,000 ng) of anthelmintics and extracted using an acetonit...
First reported case of Parafilaria bovicola infection in a horse (Equus caballus). This study reports the infection, diagnosis and treatment of the nematode Parafilaria bovicola in a horse (Equus caballus) in France. A soft, fluctuated and non-painful subcutaneous nodule was observed under the right eye. Ultrasound revealed a mobile verminous element in a fluid cyst. A nematode was surgically extracted from the cyst and further identified as Parafilaria bovicola by sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. This first report indicates that horses can be accidental hosts of P. bovicola in enzootic areas.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in the district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections constitute a major constraint to equine health and productivity, particularly in tropical regions where climatic and environmental conditions favor parasite survival and transmission. In Côte d'Ivoire, epidemiological data regarding gastrointestinal parasites in horses remain limited, especially in urban and peri-urban settings such as the district of Abidjan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, diversity, and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites affecting horses in the study area. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional st...
Age-Related Comparative Study of C-Reactive Protein, Lipid Profile Biomarkers, and Strongyle Nematode Gastrointestinal Parasitic Burden in Horses. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection remains one of the most prevalent and economically significant health challenges in equine populations. The infective stages of GI parasites can activate systemic inflammatory responses and disrupt lipid metabolism leading to exacerbation of parasitic infection. Moreover, age-related low-grade chronic inflammation may further contribute to the persistent infection which impacts the health status of individual horses. Objective: This study examined serum levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile parameters to identify ...
A Surgical Technique for Removal of Setaria digitata From the Anterior Chamber Under Standing Sedation: Outcomes in 12 Horses. To describe a rapid surgical technique for removal of the intraocular nematode Setaria digitata from the anterior chamber of horses under standing sedation and to report clinical outcomes. Methods: Twelve client-owned horses (2021-2026) presented with a motile intracameral worm. Methods: All surgeries were performed under field conditions using standing sedation (xylazine 1.1 mg kg and butorphanol 0.1 mg kg IV), regional nerve blocks (lidocaine 2%), and topical anesthesia (proparacaine). A 2.8 mm uniplanar oblique (~45°) corneal incision was created ventrolaterally approximately 2...
Verminous mastitis caused by Cephalobus cubaensis infection in a mare. A 7-y-old American Quarter Horse mare was presented to a veterinary hospital for ongoing reproductive monitoring and management of endometritis. During physical evaluation, several nodular lesions of unknown origin and duration were discovered in the mammae. Histologically, biopsies from the lesions were confirmed as severe granulomatous mastitis with intralesional rhabditid nematodes. A putative diagnosis of or infection was assigned, and ivermectin (1.2 mg/kg PO) treatment was given every 2 wk. When lesions persisted after the initial dose of ivermectin, PCR testing of and gene targe...
Terpenic compounds possess anthelmintic and immunomodulatory properties with potential for controlling equine cyathostomin infections. The emergence of anthelmintic-resistant parasite isolates necessitates alternative control strategies. The use of dietary additives with anti-parasitic or immunomodulatory activities has been proposed as a solution, but whether such additives can simultaneously exert dual bioactivities within this context has rarely been explored. Here, we evaluated whether selected terpenes could exert dual bioactivities (anti-parasitic and immunomodulatory) with a view to their use as food additives that can limit strongyle infections in horses. In vitro tests with cyathostomin larval development, larval mig...
Comparison of Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Characteristics Between Miechongshu-Treated and Untreated Yili Horses. Anthelmintic treatment is widely used in equine health management to control parasitic infections; however, its potential effects on the gut microbiota and metabolic characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, twelve Yili horses were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (C), which received no anthelmintic treatment, and a Miechongshu-treated group (T), which was orally administered Miechongshu at a dose of 0.36 g/kg body weight on day 0. Fecal samples were collected from the rectums of Yili horses on day 14 after administration, and differences in gut microbial composi...
Influence of parasitic load, breed, age, housing and season on skin and hair coat condition in horses. Strongyles are nematode parasites that affect the large intestine and cecum of the horse, with symptoms ranging from poor hair coat to colic. This can influence gut health, nutrient absorption, and overall body condition. Objective: Determine the effects of parasitic load, breed, age, housing, and season on skin and hair coat conditions. We hypothesized that horses with low fecal egg counts would have better hair and skin coat condition compared with those with high fecal egg counts. Methods: A total of forty-five Morgan and 11 Thoroughbred horses were included in this study. We tested the eff...
In vitro anthelmintic activity of extracts and bioactive compounds from Azadirachta indica and Cnidoscolus angustidens on strongyles L3 larvae in horses. Gastrointestinal endoparasitic diseases, particularly those caused by some strongyles, represent one of the main health challenges in equine production. The prolonged use of synthetic anthelmintics has led to the development of resistance, which has prompted the search for more sustainable therapeutic alternatives. However, plant extracts rich in secondary metabolites are emerging as a promising option. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts and bioactive compounds (total phenols and saponins) from Azadirachta indica and Cn...
Antiparasitic potential of Caesalpinia coriaria: Current evidence and prospects for equine health. Parasitic infections remain a major constraint to equine health and performance, and the worldwide rise of anthelmintic resistance is forcing a shift toward integrated parasite management and new complementary tools. Caesalpinia coriaria (Divi-divi) pods are exceptionally rich in tannins and have been proposed as a potential source of antiparasitic phytochemicals. This review summarizes the current evidence on C. coriaria, focusing on its relevance to equine gastrointestinal helminths. Most available data come from in vitro screening against ruminant nematode models (mainly Haemonchus contortu...
Beyond the host: Unveiling the independent microbiome of equine gastrointestinal nematodes. Gastrointestinal nematode infections significantly impact equine health and welfare, with rising anthelmintic resistance demanding alternative control strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that parasitic nematodes harbour distinct microbiomes, potentially influencing host-parasite dynamics and parasite survival. This study aimed to characterize and compare the microbiomes of equine gastrointestinal nematodes and their hosts, focusing on differences in composition, diversity, and core microbiota structure across different intestinal sites, nematode subfamilies, and sexes. Faecal and nematode s...
Molecular Identification and Benzimidazole Resistance Analysis of Cyathostomins in Chinese Grazing Horses. This study investigated the cyathostomin species composition, anthelmintic efficacy, and potential resistance-associated mutations in Chinese grazing horses. Fecal samples were collected from 90 adult horses. Fecal egg counts (FECs) were determined using a modified McMaster method. Third stage larvae (L3) cultured from the eggs were identified to species level by PCR amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2). The main species included and spp. However, differences in the relative abundance of less common species, including and , suggests regional variation. A...
Relationship Between Mean Faecal Gastrointestinal Nematode Egg Excretion in Horses and Its Variability: Implications for Control. Faecal egg counts (FECs) are used to assess the intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in herbivores. FEC distribution is aggregated, meaning that approximately 20% of animals harbour 80% of infections. In times of escalating anthelmintic resistance, it may be necessary to restrict treatment to the animals with the heaviest infections. This strategy is called targeted selective treatment (TST) and is relevant to GIN, for example. The difficulty lies in identifying which animals to treat. One solution is to select potentially at-risk animals based on age (for example, treating ...
Characterizing mixed strongyle infections in foals and broodmares using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I deep amplicon sequencing. Mixed strongyle infections represent the most prevalent equine parasitosis and can result in life-threatening disease, especially in young horses. Species involvement and pathogenesis of this parasitosis are poorly understood, and data on foals and broodmares are notably lacking. Methods: In a longitudinal study undertaken in 2022 in Germany, individual faecal samples (n = 497) and metadata were collected for naturally infected foals and broodmares (n = 48) kept under conventional husbandry conditions. Nematode infections were detected coproscopically via the Mini-FLOTAC method. In a s...
A case of Setaria equina in a 13-year-old, UK-resident mare. Setaria equina is a species of filarial nematode parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, which infects horses and other equids. Adult worms reside in the abdominal cavity with apparently little pathogenic significance, but larvae can migrate to other regions of the body with resulting clinical disease. Cases in the UK are rare, with the last published report in 2001. A recent case of S. equina infection was detected in a 13-year-old, UK-resident mare during postmortem examination in Hertfordshire, UK. Adult worms were collected from the abdominal cavity, their DNA extracted and subjected to PCR an...
Enhanced detection of equine strongyles: Insights from morphological and nemabiome metabarcoding approaches in northern Iran. Strongyles pose significant health concerns for equids globally. Strongyles, comprising over 60 species, can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, with Strongylus vulgaris posing higher risks due to its migratory behaviour. Routine diagnostic methods, such as faecal egg counts, lack species-level resolution, while traditional morphological techniques require advanced expertise. DNA metabarcoding offers a high-throughput alternative. Objective: To characterise the diversity of strongyles infecting horses in northern Iran and evaluate how age, sex, diagnostic methods and host population influe...
Evaluation of Benzimidazole Resistance in Equine Cyathostomins in the Kermanshah Province of Iran Using Coprological Analysis and Allele-Specific PCR. Resistance to benzimidazole (BZ) by cyathostomin nematodes has become a major threat to equine health around the world. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BZ drugs against small strongyle nematodes in horses of western Iran using coprological and molecular examination. Unassigned: Faecal egg count reduction tests were performed on 398 horses kept in 16 stables in western Iran (Kermanshah Province), to detect benzimidazole resistance in small strongyle nematodes. Allele-specific PCR was used to identify the F200Y (TAC/TTC) SNP in the beta-tubulin gene codon in cyathostomin larvae. Unassigned:...
Treatment efficacy of pyrantel, fenbendazole and macrocyclic lactones in equine strongyles in Germany using FECRT and the model eggCounts. Reduced anthelmintic efficacy against small strongyles in horses is a widespread problem, yet recent data is scarce. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the current status of anthelmintic efficacy in the field in Germany, specifically focusing on pyrantel. Methods: The study included 1670 horses for which a total of 1913 dewormings were analysed. Of these, 1682 were performed with pyrantel, 56 with fenbendazole, 162 with macrocyclic lactones and 13 with other compounds (e.g. herbs). The faecal egg count reduction (FECR) was calculated with two methods, the faecal egg count reduction test...
Comparing the Performance of McMaster, FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC Techniques in the Diagnosis of Strongylid Infections in Two Horse Populations in Portugal. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) strongyle infections in equids is still mainly performed using quantitative coprological techniques, like the McMaster (McM), but more sensitive and precise techniques, like FLOTAC (FL) and Mini-FLOTAC (MF), have been proposed over the past 20 years. The present study aimed to compare the analytical performance of these three methods in the diagnosis of strongyle infections in horses. Between October 2023 and June 2024, 32 fecal samples were processed using the McM, FL and MF techniques to identify strongyles' eggs, estimate their shedding (eggs per gram ...
Recent advances in intestinal helminth parasites of horses in the Asia-Pacific region: Current trends, challenges and future directions. Over the past 25 years, significant progress has been made in understanding and managing equine gastrointestinal parasites in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. This review synthesises current knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, anthelmintic resistance (AR), and control strategies for major equine intestinal parasites, including cyathostomins, Parascaris spp., Anoplocephala perfoliata, and Strongyloides westeri. Recent studies highlight substantial regional variation in parasite prevalence, egg shedding and cyathostomin population composition, sh...
Cytochrome c oxidase I deep amplicon sequencing for metabarcoding of equine strongyle communities: unexpectedly high Strongylus spp. prevalence in treated horses. Equines are parasitized by complex communities of Strongylidae (Nematoda) comprising multi-species infections. Currently, Cyathostominae are most prevalent, while Strongylus species are only rarely detected. Since eggs and, in most cases, infective larvae cannot be differentiated to species level, except for Strongylus spp., species-specific knowledge of the pathology, epidemiology and ecology of these parasitic nematodes is limited. Reference sequence data for several cyathostomin species are limited or missing. Deep amplicon sequencing of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) regions of nema...
A pilot study on the potency of injectable vs. oral moxidectin formulation to suppress strongyle egg excretion in horses at twice lower dose. The aim of present study was to examine the potency of moxidectin solution (Cydectin 1 %; Zoetis) and commercially available oral moxidectin gel (Equest®; Zoetis) to suppress the excretion of strongyle eggs in horses over a 6-week period. The horses naturally infected with strongyle nematodes (>500 eggs/g of feces) were divided into two comparable groups according age, sex and weight. On day 0 of the study, horses in Group OT (oral treatment; N=5) were dewormed with moxidectin gel (Equest®; Zoetis; 0.4 mg/kg of b.w.) according to the manufacturer's instructions, and horses in Group IT (in...
Assessment of the antiparasitic effectiveness of pyrantel pamoate in treatment of Strongylidae invasions in young horses – preliminary studies. The resistance of strongyles to pyrantel pamoate has been reported in publications worldwide. There is no data on its efficacy in horses in Poland. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pyrantel pamoate to control strongyle invasions in young horses. The study involved horses of both sexes, aged 1 to 2 years, and was conducted in two seasons (spring and the end of summer). Feces were collected 24 hours before and 14 days after deworming, and they were then examined using McMaster's and combined sedimentation-flotation methods. Results revealed that in spring, th...
Independent Development of Resistance to Main Classes of Anthelmintics by Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Ruminants and Horses. Resistance to anthelmintics in gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) is highly prevalent, as these parasites have been treated with anthelmintics for decades in ruminants and horses. Anthelmintics belong to different classes, each with a different mode of action. The most used are benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones and, to a lesser extent, levamisole and pyrantel in herbivores, as estimated from the literature. Combining these classes should be effective in controlling GIN. However, several farmers' practices tend to promote GIN resistance. Therefore, it is unclear whether the use of anthelmi...
Evaluating efficacy and strongyle egg reappearance period after ivermectin treatment in a Hungarian stud farm. Horses remain globally at constant risk of strongylid infections, with cyathostomins being particularly prevalent and abundant. It is essential to routinely monitor the efficacy of anthelmintics against equine nematodes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin against equine strongyles and estimate the strongyle egg reappearance period (ERP) following ivermectin treatment for the first time in Hungary. Fecal samples were collected from 57 Thoroughbred mares before treatment and at 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 weeks post-treatment at a Hungarian National Stud Farm. Fecal egg counts (FECs)...
