Ascarids. Recent advances.

This study focuses on the widespread issue of P. equorum, a parasitic worm that negatively affects foals’ health and can lead to their death due to complications like intestinal impaction or rupture, despite proper hygiene and control programs. The research highlights the life cycle pattern of the parasite, the symptoms it causes, and suggests a preventive treatment strategy using an effective anthelmintic that should be administered to foals on a six-week schedule.

Understanding P. equorum

• P. equorum is a harmful parasite that is known for its persistence in the environment, surviving in stables and pastures even with good hygiene standards in place and usage of anti-parasitic control methods.
• It particularly affects foals – young horses – who are usually infected early in life.

Life Cycle and Symptoms of P. equorum

• The parasite begins its life inside the foals when ingested, starting its migratory phase. This involves the worm moving around inside the body,
• During this phase, the foals exhibit symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, depression, and a significant loss in condition as the worms mature in the stomach.
• Some foals may die due to serious complications, such as a blockage or tear in the intestine caused by the worms.
• The parasite reaches its mature stage, releasing eggs into the foal’s feces around three months of age, and these egg counts can reach very high levels.
• However, as the young horse ages and reaches around six months old, the ascarid burden starts to decrease as the animal’s immune system fights off the infection.

Management and Prevention of P. equorum

• P. equorum infections are rarely found in adult horses; when they are present, they tend to be quite minor.
• The primary preventive measure suggested is in regard to treatment, specifically, it is recommended that foals be treated regularly and frequently to prevent the buildup of a large number of ascarids in the gut.
• The authors propose a six-weekly treatment schedule using an anthelmintic – a drug that deals effectively against such parasites – which has proven effective against P. equorum.

This research provides a comprehensive understanding of P. equorum, the harmful effects it can have on foals, and offers effective preventive strategies to control and manage this widespread issue affecting equine health.