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Equine veterinary journal1999; 31(1); 68-72; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03793.x

A field survey on the distribution of strongyle infections of horses in Sweden and factors affecting faecal egg counts.

Abstract: Faecal egg counts were performed during the first quarter of 1995 on samples from 1183 horses of varying breeds, ages and gender on 110 farms in 3 regions of Sweden. The majority of the horses had been treated with ivermectin or pyrantel when stabled the previous autumn. The risk of reinfection with strongyles between treatment and sampling was therefore considered to be minimal. Consequently, the results reflect primarily the occurrence of worms originating from inhibited strongyle larvae refractory to anthelmintic treatment. A total of 922 (78%) individuals were found to shed strongyle eggs, and 15 (14%) of the farms studied had at least one horse infected with Strongylus vulgaris. There was a significant, gradual decrease in faecal egg output in horses originating from the southern to the northern part of Sweden. Horses from studfarms showed significantly higher numbers of strongyle eggs/g faeces (EPG) as compared to those on other types of farms, such as riding-schools and boarding stables. However, there was no correlation between herd size and mean herd EPG. The output of strongyle eggs was highest in horses aged 2 and 3 years. EPG values then declined with increasing age of the horse. Horses treated with ivermectin in the previous autumn showed significantly lower EPG values than untreated horses and those treated with pyrantel pamoate.
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Publication Date: 1999-02-10 PubMed ID: 9952332DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03793.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research surveyed the distribution of strongyle infections in horses across Sweden and the factors affecting these infections. Through fecal egg counts conducted on samples from over a thousand horses, results showed a decrease in infection rates from south to north, higher prevalence in stud farms, no correlation with herd size, and increased egg outputs in younger horses. Horses treated with ivermectin had significantly lower egg output than untreated or pyrantel pamoate-treated horses.

Summary of Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted by assessing faecal egg counts on samples from 1183 horses from 110 Swedish farms in three regions.
  • The majority of the horses had been treated with ivermectin or pyrantel the previous autumn. The risk of reinfection was thus minimal, and results reflect primarily the occurrence of worms originating from inhibited strongyle larvae, which are resistant to anthelmintic treatment.

Key Findings

  • A total of 78% of the examined horses were found to shed strongyle eggs.
  • 14% of the farms studied had at least one horse infected with Strongylus vulgaris, a specific type of strongyle.
  • There was a significant gradual decrease in faecal egg output in horses from the southern to the northern part of Sweden. This geographical factor has implications on the distribution of strongyle infections in Sweden.
  • In terms of types of farms, stud farms showed significantly higher numbers of strongyle eggs in faeces compared to other types of farms, like riding schools and boarding stables.
  • Notably, the study found no correlation between the size of the herd and the mean herd egg output, indicating that density or herd size does not necessarily affect infection rates.

Effects of Horse Age and Treatment on Infection

  • The study found that the output of strongyle eggs was highest in younger horses, particularly 2 and 3 years old.
  • Egg outputs declined with the increasing age of the horse.
  • Interestingly, horses treated with ivermectin in the previous autumn showed significantly lower egg outputs compared to untreated horses and those treated with pyrantel pamoate. This shows ivermectin’s potential superior effectiveness in controlling strongyle infections.

Cite This Article

APA
Osterman Lind E, Höglund J, Ljungström BL, Nilsson O, Uggla A. (1999). A field survey on the distribution of strongyle infections of horses in Sweden and factors affecting faecal egg counts. Equine Vet J, 31(1), 68-72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03793.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 1
Pages: 68-72

Researcher Affiliations

Osterman Lind, E
  • Department of Parasitology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala.
Höglund, J
    Ljungström, B L
      Nilsson, O
        Uggla, A

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Feces / parasitology
          • Female
          • Horses
          • Male
          • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
          • Prevalence
          • Strongyle Infections, Equine / epidemiology
          • Sweden / epidemiology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 20 times.
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