Control of cyathostome infections in mares treated at parturition with ivermectin.

This research article revolves around a study conducted on six mares and their foals, exploring the efficiency of ivermectin in controlling cyathostome infections when administered on the day of parturition and paired with a shift to parasite-free pastures. The results indicated that this method led to a significant reduction in cyathostome egg production and subsequent lowering of worm-burdens in foals.

Objective and Methodology

In this research, the authors aimed to analyze the effect of ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication, on controlling cyathostome (small strongyles) infections in mares and their offspring.

• Six mares receiving ivermectin injections at a dose of 0.2 mg kg-1 on their parturition day were included in this study.
• These mares then relocated to parasite-free pastures as quickly as feasible post-foaling.
• The research team compared the results of treated mares and their foals with untreated mares and their offspring in neighboring pastures.
• The source of data for analysis was the fecal egg count in both the mare and foal, foal necropsies, and larval count in the Field.

Findings

From this study, the researchers established some essential points.

• A significant reduction was seen in cyathostome egg production. This effect lasted for up to 4 months post-administration of ivermectin.
• The lower egg count led to a reduced cyathostome exposure reflected through decreased worm-burdens in foals lasting up to 5 months.

The evident reduction of cyathostome infection in the treatment group versus the control group strongly suggests the efficiency of the combined approach of ivermectin treatment and relocation to parasite-free pastures.

Conclusion

This research concludes that the administration of ivermectin on the day of parturition, in conjunction with a move to parasite-free fields, is a potent approach to controlling strongyle infections in mares. Furthermore, this tactic also leads to lowering the worm burden in their offspring, implying multi-generational benefits of the treatment. This finding could revolutionize the prevention strategies and methodologies for equine strongyles.