[Efficacy of the oral antiparasitic mebendazole plus trichlorfon (telmin plus trichlorfon) against Gasterophilus in the horse].

The research paper evaluates the combined use of the drugs Mebendazole and Trichlorfon in treating horses infested with the Gasterophilus parasite. The findings show that the drugs were 97.04% effective in eliminating the parasite.

Objective of the Research

• The purpose of this field trial was to assess the efficiency of a combination drug, Mebendazole and Trichlorfon (known as Telmin plus Trichlorfon), against Gasterophilus spp. infestations in horses. This parasite is naturally acquired in horses especially in endemic areas of Switzerland. The efficiency of the drug was calculated by examining how many out of the initially infested horses were free of the parasite post-treatment.

Research Methodology

• 44 foals aged 1 to 1.5 years and weighing between 350-450 kg were selected for the trial. These foals were from different endemic areas of Switzerland where the Gasterophilus spp. infestation is common.
• The horses were randomly divided into two groups – 28 foals were treated with Mebendazole plus Trichlorfon while 16 animals served as untreated controls. The use of a control group helps to establish a comparative base for assessment.
• The combined drug treatment was given in paste form following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Following this, macroscopic examinations of the horse’s digestive tract, as well as larval counting, were carried out 30 and 33 days after treatment.

Research Findings

• The efficacy of the drug combination in treating Gasterophilus spp. infestations was found to be 97.04%. Such a high percentage indicates that the drug has a strong impact in eliminating the parasite, hence it can be considered highly effective as a treatment option.
• An additional proof of the treatment’s effectiveness was observed in the control group, where numerous larvae-carrying foals were observed, contrasting with the treated group.
• As the Gasterophilus spp. larvae are usually found in their hosts between November and February, the authors recommend treatment during this period for maximum effectiveness.