Correlation between fecal egg count, presence of Strongylus vulgaris, and body score of feral horses on Fort Polk, Louisiana.

This research aimed to evaluate the body condition score, fecal egg count, and the presence of a specific parasite, Strongylus vulgaris, in a feral horse population located in Fort Polk, Louisiana. The study found the feral horses had a significantly higher fecal egg count than domestic horses, and a majority of them were positive for S. vulgaris, suggesting the need for parasite treatment and monitoring after adoption.

Study Context

• The research was conducted on a population of about 700 feral horses in Fort Polk, Louisiana, referred to as “trespass horses” by the U.S. Army. These horses are regarded as a nuisance and hazard, and a removal program, primarily through adoption, is underway.
• The primary objective of this research was to assess the body condition score (BCS), fecal egg count (FEC), and the presence of a particular parasitic nematode, Strongylus vulgaris, in this feral horse population before their removal.
• The results from the feral horse population were compared with data from domestic horses living on a single farm in the same region.

Methodology

• The researchers used a modified McMaster FEC to evaluate the horses’ fecal matter for parasite eggs.
• The body condition of the horses was determined using the Henneke body scoring system, which was conducted via photographic evaluation.
• PCR—an effective technique for diagnosing parasitic infections—was used to identify the presence of S. vulgaris.
• A total of 10 domestic and 28 feral horses were evaluated using these methods.

Findings

• The research discovered a significantly higher FEC in feral horses compared to domestic horses, indicating a higher prevalence of parasitic infection among the feral population.
• A significant proportion (69.2%) of feral horses tested positive for S. vulgaris, whereas the parasite was not found in any of the domestic horses evaluated.
• However, the study found no correlation between FEC and BCS in either the domestic or the feral horse populations, suggesting that the body condition of the horses was not influenced by the count of parasite eggs in their feces.
• Additionally, there was no association found between FEC and S. vulgaris presence or BCS and S. vulgaris presence, indicating that this specific parasitic infection didn’t impact the horses’ body condition or the presence of other parasitic eggs.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The research offers valuable insights into the prevalence of S. vulgaris and other strongyle parasites in a previously unstudied group of horses.
• Given the significantly high FEC and prevalence of S. vulgaris in the feral horse population, the study calls for the need for anthelmintic treatment to combat these parasitic infections.
• The research also concludes that these horses should be monitored after their adoption to ensure they receive appropriate parasitic treatments and care.