Estimation of infection of internal parasites in horses from different type of farms.

The research paper is about a study conducted to estimate the infection rate of internal parasites in horses from different types of farms in the Warmia and Mazury Region during the pasture period of 2014.

Objective and Methodology of the Research

• The study aimed to estimate the rate of internal parasite infection in horses on individual and agrotouristic farms by examining fecal samples.
• It was conducted during the pasture period, from April to October in 2014, in the Warmia and Mazury Region.
• A total of 512 horses were examined, which included 320 mares, 170 geldings, and 22 stallions.

Findings of the Research

• Out of 185 horses from individual farms, it was found that 119 horses (64.3%) were infected with gastro-intestinal parasites.
• On agrotourist farms, out of 372 horses, 169 (51.7%) were infected with parasites.
• The study found that most of the horses expelled the eggs of Cyathostominae, while the eggs of other parasites like Strongylus spp., Parascaris equorum, Strongyloides westeri and a tapeworm of Anoplocephala were found in some individuals.

Conclusion and Implication of the Study

• Results showed that infection rate in the horses from agrotouristic farms was lower than those from individual farms.
• This difference was likely due to more regular deworming (usually twice a year), and more attention paid to cleaning pastures at agrotouristic farms.
• These findings imply the importance of regular deworming and proper hygiene practices in controlling and reducing the prevalence of parasite infestation in horses across different prevention strategies.