Anoplocephala perfoliata Infection in Horses in Iceland: Investigation of Associations Between Intensity of Infection and Lesions.

The research investigates the prevalence of the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata in horses in Iceland, and how the intensity of infection relates to visible pathological scars. It also evaluates the role of geographical location, the age and sex of horses in such infections, and assesses the effectiveness a modified McMaster flotation method in identifying infected equines. The study found a substantial prevalence of the tapeworm, with severity of infection associated with the size of the intestinal lesions. However, no correlation with horse’s location, age or sex was noted, and the McMaster method showed low efficiency.

Particulars of the Research

• The study involved 104 Icelandic horses of varying ages, collected from three different abattoirs in North and South Iceland during June and July of 2016.
• Research aimed to understand the prevalence of the tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata, in these horses and to examine links between the intensity of the infection and the severity of observable pathological damage.
• In addition, the researchers investigated whether probability of infection was influenced by different geographical locations in Iceland, as well as the age and gender of the horse.
• They also trialed the efficacy of the McMaster egg counting method – a modified version of fecal flotation technique – to identify infected horses.

Key Findings

• The study discovered 64.4% prevalence of Anoplocephala perfoliata tapeworms in the examined Icelandic horses, a relatively high rate compared to studies conducted in other European countries. The number of worms found in infected horses ranged from 1 to 131.
• The physical aftermath of the infections varied from mild (like small hyperactive areas) to severe (such as large ulcers and dead tissue lesions coated with fibrin). Intensity of infection was found to correlate with the size and type of the damage in the horse’s intestines.
• Despite the geographical range of sampled horses, the study did not find any significant associations between infection with Anoplocephala perfoliata and either geographical location, horse age, or horse gender.
• The McMaster egg counting method used in this study was found to have a low detection sensitivity of 7.4%, indicating it is not an adequate method for detection of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in horses.

Conclusion and Implication

• In comparison to studies in other parts of Europe, a high prevalence of Anoplocephala perfoliata was noted in the examined Icelandic horses. This could be linked to the lack of treatment for this parasite, the favorable environment for the intermediate mite host, and Icelandic grazing management practices.
• Duo to the high prevalence of the tapeworm, and its association with pathological damage, the study suggests that a more efficient diagnostic method should be used alongside appropriate treatment to manage and prevent further spread of this infection in Icelandic horses.