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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Sci / Equine helminths: prevalence and associated risk factors in ...
Journal of veterinary science2024; 25(3); e41; doi: 10.4142/jvs.23291

Equine helminths: prevalence and associated risk factors in Gamo Gofa Zone, Ethiopia.

Abstract: Equines are indispensable in reducing the huge burden on children and women and income generation. On the other hand, minimal attention is given to improving their health and welfare. Objective: This study examined the prevalence and associated risk factors of helminth parasites of equine in the Gamo Gofa Zone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed from June 2019 to March 2020. The study districts and were selected purposively based on agroecology whereas selection of study households and animals were performed based on simple random sampling techniques. Identification of nematode, trematode parasite ova and larvae of were done by floatation, sedimentation, and Baermann techniques respectively. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression was applied to estimate the prevalence and association of risk factors with helminth parasites. Results: The overall helminth parasite prevalence in the study area was 90.4%, 425/470 (95% [CI], 87.16-92.9). The prevalence of Strongyle, Fasciola, , , , and mixed parasite infections were 65.1%, 21.7%, 17.4%, 34%, 34%, and 58.1%, respectively. Infections from Fasciola species and infection were four ([AOR], 4.4; 95% CI, 2-9.4) and two times (AOR, 2; 95% CI, 1.1-3.6) respectively more likely occur in donkeys than in mules. The occurrence of Strongyle species in midland agroecology was two times (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.7) more likely than lowland agroecology. Conclusions: The present study identified diverse species of equine helminth parasites that necessitate urgent disease control and prevention measures.
© 2024 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.
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Publication Date: 2024-06-05 PubMed ID: 38834511PubMed Central: PMC11156592DOI: 10.4142/jvs.23291Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research studied the prevalence of helminth (worm) parasites in working equines (horses, donkeys, mules) in the Gamo Gofa Zone of Ethiopia and identified risk factors associated with infection.
  • Findings showed that a very high percentage of equines were infected, with infection risk varying by species and agroecological zones.

Background and Objective

  • Equines are critical labor and income sources, often supporting women and children in rural Ethiopia.
  • Their health and welfare are frequently neglected despite their importance.
  • The study aimed to determine how common helminth infections are in local equines and identify risk factors contributing to infection.

Methodology

  • Study design: Cross-sectional study conducted from June 2019 to March 2020.
  • Site selection: Districts chosen purposively based on different agroecological zones (mainly midland and lowland areas).
  • Sampling: Households and individual equines selected through simple random sampling to reduce bias.
  • Parasite detection methods:
    • Floatation technique for nematode eggs.
    • Sedimentation technique for trematode eggs (e.g., Fasciola species).
    • Baermann technique for larvae detection.
  • Data analysis: Descriptive statistics to measure prevalence; logistic regression to identify associations between risk factors (e.g., species, agroecology) and parasite infections.

Key Results

  • Overall prevalence: 90.4% of equines were infected with at least one helminth species (425 out of 470 animals).
  • Specific helminth infections:
    • Strongyle species: 65.1%
    • Fasciola species: 21.7%
    • Other species (details not fully specified) ranged between 17.4% and 34% prevalence.
    • Mixed infections (multiple species infecting the same animal): 58.1%
  • Species-based risk differences:
    • Donkeys were over four times more likely to be infected with Fasciola species compared to mules (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.4).
    • Donkeys were also about twice as likely to have another unspecified infection compared to mules (AOR = 2).
  • Agroecological differences:
    • Equines in midland areas were about 2.6 times more likely to have Strongyle infections compared to those in lowland areas.

Interpretation and Implications

  • The very high overall prevalence indicates almost all equines are exposed to or infected by helminths in this region.
  • Differences in infection rates between donkeys and mules suggest biological or behavioral factors making donkeys more susceptible to certain parasites like Fasciola.
  • Agroecological conditions influence parasite distribution, likely due to environmental factors such as moisture and grazing practices favoring parasite life cycles in midland zones.
  • High rates of mixed infections complicate control efforts, as animals may require treatments targeting multiple parasite types.
  • Urgent disease control and preventive measures are recommended to reduce parasite burdens, which will improve equine health, welfare, and their productivity in local communities.

Study Strengths and Limitations

  • Strengths:
    • Use of multiple diagnostic techniques increased accuracy of parasite detection.
    • Random sampling reduced selection bias.
    • Multi-factorial analysis allowed identification of specific risk factors.
  • Limitations:
    • Some parasite species were not fully described in the abstract.
    • Cross-sectional design only captures prevalence at single timepoints, not trends over time.
    • Limited geographic scope may not represent other regions of Ethiopia.

Conclusion

  • This study provides critical epidemiological data on equine helminth infections in the Gamo Gofa Zone.
  • Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including regular deworming and management practices tailored to animal species and environmental conditions.
  • Improving equine health through parasite control could significantly benefit rural livelihoods dependent on these working animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Getahun YA, Tsalke BS, Buzuneh AW, Mejo MM, Habtewold WT. (2024). Equine helminths: prevalence and associated risk factors in Gamo Gofa Zone, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci, 25(3), e41. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.23291

Publication

Journal of veterinary science
ISSN: 1976-555X
NlmUniqueID: 100964185
Country: Korea (South)
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 3
Pages: e41
PII: e41

Researcher Affiliations

Getahun, Yared Abate
  • Livestock and Fishery Research Center, College of Agriculture, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, SNNPR 4400, Ethiopia. abateyared06@gmail.com.
Tsalke, Bekahegn Simeon
  • Livestock and Fishery Research Center, College of Agriculture, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, SNNPR 4400, Ethiopia.
Buzuneh, Abreham Wondimu
  • Livestock and Fishery Research Center, College of Agriculture, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, SNNPR 4400, Ethiopia.
Mejo, Mekoya Mereta
  • Livestock and Fishery Research Center, College of Agriculture, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, SNNPR 4400, Ethiopia.
Habtewold, Wondyfraw Tsegaw
  • Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, SNNPR 4400, Ethiopia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Ethiopia / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / epidemiology
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / parasitology
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Helminths / isolation & purification
  • Helminths / classification
  • Female
  • Male

Grant Funding

  • Korean Society of Veterinary Science

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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