Clinical trial of efficacy of ivermectin pour-on against gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in silvopasturing horses.

The research examined the effectiveness of a treatment called ivermectin in controlling gastrointestinal parasites in horses. The treatment was found to be highly successful, with clear impacts on the parasites and positive effects on the horses’ blood health.

Research Objective and Methodology

• The study’s objective was to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin, a pour-on treatment, against gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in naturally infected horses. The research was conducted as a clinical trial.
• The experiment used two groups of Pura Raza Galega mares, a type of indigenous horse breed that was in a silvopasture environment, combining forestry and grazing.
• Over a 21-week period, individual faecal and blood samples were collected from the horses for analysis.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Researchers analyzed the faeces using coprological flotation, sedimentation, and migration techniques. These methods were used to identify and measure the presence of different types of gastrointestinal nematodes – ascarids, pinworms, and strongyle-eggs.
• Apart from this, researchers monitored changes in the horses’ circulating blood cells throughout the study to evaluate the treatment’s effects on the horses’ health.

Results of the Study

• The study found that the use of ivermectin stopped the elimination of ascarid and pinworm eggs throughout the research. In addition, no strongyle-eggs were visible in the treatment group from the 3rd to the 10th week.
• Furthermore, the anthelmintic therapy (treatment for worm infestations) led to a meaningful increase in the red blood cells. A statistically significant reduction in circulating white blood cells was also recorded, indicating an improved immune response.
• The treatment had no noticeable side effects, making it a safe therapeutic option.

Conclusion of the Research

• The ivermectin-based treatment proved highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes. As a result, it presents a viable therapeutic routine for managing large groups of horses.