DESCRIPTION OF GASTRIC ULCERS AND OF THEIR SUSPECTED, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN DECEASED WILD EQUIDS AT THE RÉSERVE AFRICAINE DE SIGEAN, FRANCE (2010-2016).

This research paper investigates the presence of gastric ulcers in wild equids at the Réserve Africane de Sigean from 2010 to 2016, noting a significant occurrence of the condition without a clear link to any chronic pathologic or digestive tract processes. The highest prevalence of ulcers was observed in young animals rather than foals or adults.

Gastrointestinal Health in Wild Equids

• The research focused on evaluating the presence of gastric ulcers, a common condition in domestic horses, in wild equids across six species.
• Among the 55 deaths that occurred in the reserve over seven years, the researchers managed to gather data on the condition of the gastric mucosa in 82% of the cases. They found a 64% prevalence of gastric ulcers in the studied animals.
• The condition of the gastric mucosa was analyzed through necropsy – a postmortem examination designed to determine the cause of the animal’s death and to study various diseases present.

Prevalence and Severity of Gastric Ulcers in Various Demographics

• The highest occurrences of ulcerations were noted in two specific species of the zebra: the Grant’s zebra and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, at 83% and 100% respectively.
• Among the age demographics, young individuals between 3 and 36 months showed the highest prevalence of ulcers at 93%.
• Contrary to common findings in domestic foals, only one gastric ulceration was diagnosed out of 11 foals necropsied in the study.
• The least affected demographic was adult individuals with a lower prevalence of 74%, however, these individuals manifested deeper ulcers that often appeared hyperemic or inflammed.

Locality and Non-Correlation with Other Diseases

• All observed ulcers were located along the margo plicatus in the gastric, non-glandular, stratified squamous mucosa, a portion of an equid’s stomach lining.
• Despite the high prevalence, the research found no statistical correlation between the development of gastric ulcers and any ongoing, chronic pathologic processes or digestive tract pathologies.

Association with Enclosures

• The study identified significantly higher detection rates for gastric ulcers in wild equids kept in smaller enclosures. This observation suggests that stress caused by a lack of space could be a factor contributing to the development of the condition.
• To confirm this hypothesis and identify other potential risk factors for ulcer development in equids under human care, the researchers advocate for additional larger-scale research.