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Integrative zoology2021; 17(1); 128-138; doi: 10.1111/1749-4877.12578

Analysis on the relationship between winter precipitation and the annual variation of horse stomach fly community in arid desert steppe, Northwest China (2007-2019).

Abstract: Gasterophilus spp. have been found to be widespread in reintroduced Przewalski's horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (Northwest China). However, data on the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections are lacking. To analyze the epidemiological features and determine the cause of the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections, we treated 110 Przewalski's horses with ivermectin and collected Gasterophilus larvae from fecal samples each winter from 2007 to 2019. All 110 Przewalski's horses studied were found to be infected by Gasterophilus spp., and a total of 141 379 larvae were collected. Six species of Gasterophilus were identified with the following prevalence: G. pecorum (100%), G. nasalis (96.36%), G. nigricornis (94.55%), G. haemorrhoidalis (56.36%), G. intestinalis (59.09%), and G. inermis (3.64%). The mean infection intensity of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in Przewalski's horses was 1285 ± 653. G. pecorum (92.96% ± 6.71%) was the most abundant species. The intensity of Gasterophilus spp. (r = -0.561, P < 0.046) was significantly correlated with winter precipitation. Our findings confirmed that, in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, gasterophilosis is a severe parasitic disease in Przewalski's horses. Winter precipitation at the beginning of the year can indirectly affect the intensity and composition of Gasterophilus spp. in Przewalski's horses at the end of the year. Therefore, the water-related ecological regulation should be carried out to help reduce the parasite infection of Przewalski's horses.
© 2021 The Authors. Integrative Zoology published by International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2021-08-10 PubMed ID: 34254452PubMed Central: PMC9291967DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12578Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article investigates the impact of winter precipitation on the variation of Gasterophilus spp. infections in Przewalski’s horses in Northwest China. The study found that the intensity of the parasite infection is significantly associated with winter precipitation, suggesting a need for water-related ecological regulation to reduce the infection rate.

Introduction

  • This research was conducted on the relationship between winter precipitation and the annual variation of Gasterophilus spp. infections in Przewalski’s horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in Northwest China. The study spans over a period of twelve years from 2007 to 2019.
  • The area was selected due to the widespread prevalence of Gasterophilus spp. in the horses, but there was a lack of data available on annual variation of these infections. The researchers aim to analyze correlations between infection rates and environmental conditions to better understand the epidemiological features of the parasite and to reveal potential means for prevention.

Methodology

  • 110 Przewalski’s horses were treated with ivermectin, a medication used to treat many types of parasite infestations. Gasterophilus larvae were then collected from fecal samples each winter over the twelve-year period.
  • These horses were found to be infected by Gasterophilus spp. with a total of 141,379 larvae collected. Six species of Gasterophilus were identified, and their prevalence and intensity of infection were recorded.

Results

  • All horses were found to be infected by Gasterophilus spp., suggesting a high prevalence of this parasite in the environment. Moreover, six species of Gasterophilus were identified, with G. pecorum having the highest prevalence (100%) and G. inermis having the lowest (3.64%).
  • The mean infection intensity was 1285 ± 653 for Gasterophilus spp., with G. pecorum being the most abundant species.

Correlation with Winter Precipitation

  • The intensity of Gasterophilus spp. was significantly correlated with winter precipitation. In other words, years with increased winter precipitation saw a lower intensity of Gasterophilus spp. infections in Przewalski’s horses.
  • This finding suggests that water-related ecological regulation could help reduce the parasite infection of horses.

Conclusion

  • According to the study, gasterophilosis is a severe parasitic disease in Przewalski’s horses at the Kalamaili Nature Reserve. Winter precipitation at the beginning of the year can indirectly affect the intensity and composition of Gasterophilus spp. in these horses by year’s end.
  • The direct implication of this finding is that adjusting water-related ecological regulations such as managing precipitation or irrigation could potentially help mitigate parasite infection in Przewalski’s horses. These findings could be used to guide future conservation efforts for these animals, particularly in regions where they are reintroduced.

Cite This Article

APA
Huang H, Zhang K, Zhang B, Liu S, Chu H, Qi Y, Zhang D, Li K. (2021). Analysis on the relationship between winter precipitation and the annual variation of horse stomach fly community in arid desert steppe, Northwest China (2007-2019). Integr Zool, 17(1), 128-138. https://doi.org/10.1111/1749-4877.12578

Publication

Integrative zoology
ISSN: 1749-4877
NlmUniqueID: 101492420
Country: Australia
Language: English
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Pages: 128-138

Researcher Affiliations

Huang, Heqing
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
  • Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, China.
Zhang, Ke
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
Zhang, Boru
  • Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, China.
Liu, Shanhui
  • Office of Educational Administration, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China.
Chu, Hongjun
  • Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi, China.
Qi, Yingjie
  • Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, Xinjiang, China.
Zhang, Dong
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
Li, Kai
  • Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Desert Climate
  • Diptera / pathogenicity
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses
  • Larva
  • Seasons
  • Stomach

Grant Funding

  • 31670538 / National Science Foundation of China
  • 30870463 / National Science Foundation of China
  • 2018123 / Project of Department for Wildlife and Forest Plants Protection, SFA of China

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 7 times.
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