Epidemiology of strongyles in ponies in Ontario.

The research examines how strongyle parasites are transmitted among a group of 54 Shetland-cross mature ponies in Ontario during both pasture and winter seasons. It identifies that the transmission of these parasites is mainly from midsummer to mid-fall.

Study Methodology

• The study investigated the transmission of strongyle parasites in ponies over a period from May 30 to November 22, 1983.
• The subjects were 54 Shetland-cross mature ponies. The ponies were on pasture during this period and were kept in loose housing during the ensuing winter.
• To monitor the prevalence of strongyles, fecal and pasture herbage samples were collected every two weeks through the pasture season, and sporadically thereafter.
• Three foals, born and raised in the same conditions, were weaned from the pasture at various points and subsequently inspected.
• Factors such as daily maximum and minimum air temperature and total precipitation were also recorded as part of the study.

Results and Observations

• The data indicated that the mean fecal strongyle egg count was highest in the spring and early summer but dropped significantly over winter.
• Very few larvae were found on herbage in late May, with their numbers dipping to almost zero by the third week of June.
• The numbers of larvae increased later in the summer, peaking from late August to mid-October, before experiencing a decline and remaining low over winter.
• In an examination of the foals, much larger strongyle counts were found in the one removed later from the pasture relative to those removed earlier.

Conclusions

• Based on these observations, the researchers concluded that the transmission of strongyles predominantly occurs from mid-summer to mid-fall.
• The study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of strongyles in ponies, which is crucial in devising effective parasite control strategies.