[Endoparasitic fauna and incidence of species in yearling and adult horses in Upper Bavarian breeding farms with regular anthelmintic prophylaxis lasting for many years].

The research article investigates the different types of parasites found in horses on Upper Bavarian breeding farms, where consistent use of anthelmintics (parasite-removing medications) has been a longstanding practice. The study also compared the effectiveness of different anthelmintic treatments.

Overview of Research Methodology

• The researchers studied 127 horses from five breeding farms in Upper Bavaria.
• The investigation spanned over a 16-month period, with parasite examination carried out every four weeks.
• Since 1992, the farms had routinely administered anthelmintics to the horses.
• They found at least five different species of parasites in 127 horses.

Key Findings

• Small strongyles were the most common parasitic infection. These were followed by G. intestinalis, A. perfoliata, and P. equorum.
• Seven horses were found to shed eggs of P. equorum.
• Out of the 127 horses, 113 were infected with strongyles, a type of parasite, indicating a high incidence independent of the horses’ age.
• Highest excretion of strongyle eggs occurred during the summer.
• Infections with A. perfoliata were discovered across all farms whereas G. intestinalis eggs were found only in two farms, but in most horses at those locations.

Effectiveness of Anthelmintic Treatments

• Horses treated with Ivomec-P and Banminth remained parasite-free three to four weeks after treatment.
• Animals treated with Rintal or Panacur continued to shed strongyle eggs three to four weeks after the anthelmintic treatment.
• The research didn’t find any obvious age-dependent differences in response to the anthelmintic treatments.

This study contributes important information to the existing understanding of equine parasitology, as well as the effectiveness of various anthelmintic treatments which is vital in maintaining the health of horses.