A study on the seasonal epidemiology of Anoplocephala spp.-infection in horses and the appropriate treatment using a praziquantel gel (Droncit 9% oral gel).

This research article presents a study focused on the timing of infection and the most effective treatment for horses infected with tapeworms, particularly Anoplocephala spp. The study finds that the infection is most prevalent between July to October, and the treatment, a specific oral gel formulation of praziquantel, is highly effective in treating this tapeworm infection.

Objective of the Study

• The researchers aim to understand the seasonal dynamics of tapeworm (Anoplocephala spp.) egg production in horses with particular interest in determining the period with the highest prevalence of the parasite. This information would help in determining the optimal periods for administering cestocidal treatment for maximizing efficacy.
• The study also evaluates the effectiveness of praziquantel (Droncit 9% oral gel) under field conditions in treating horses infected with Anoplocephala spp.

Methodology

• The researchers identified one breeding farm with a high prevalence of Anoplocephala spp. infection and decided to analyse the seasonal pattern of tapeworm egg excretion over a year from horses in this farm.
• Additionally, horses from this farm and another with a high prevalence of the tapeworm infection were used to evaluate the efficacy of praziquantel.
• 33 horses infected with Anoplocephala spp. were administered with praziquantel (Droncit 9%, oral gel) according to their body weight.
• The effectiveness of the drug was evaluated ten days post-treatment by conducting a double faecal analysis.

Findings

• The researchers found a significant increase in the excretion of Anoplocephala spp. eggs during July to October, which corresponded to the second part of the grazing period for the horses.
• After the administration of praziquantel, the faeces of 32 out of 33 treated horses showed no presence of Anoplocephala spp. eggs, an efficacy rate of approximately 97%.
• The one horse that still showed signs of infection had incidentally not fully consumed the anthelmintic gel and consequently, had not received the correct dose of the drug.

Conclusion

• The study highlights the importance of timing the cestocidal treatment for horses during the second part of the grazing period (July- October) as this showed the highest prevalence of Anoplocephala spp. infection.
• The results also affirm the efficacy of praziquantel (Droncit 9% oral gel) as a successful cestocidal treatment under field conditions.
• However, it is crucial to ensure the correct dosage to achieve maximum efficacy.