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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Parasitol / Gastrointestinal parasitic worms in equines in the Paraíba ...
Veterinary parasitology2006; 140(3-4); 289-295; doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.03.036

Gastrointestinal parasitic worms in equines in the Paraíba Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract: Over a period of 12 years, from 1988 to 2000, a total of 20 individual equines (16 horses and 4 mules) were selected at random, from 10 municipalities in the Paraíba Valley, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and then subjected to necropsy for collection of gastrointestinal worms. Individual samples of 10% of the intestinal contents were also taken for counting and identifying the species present, and to establish the prevalence of worms in equine species in the Paraíba Valley. In the sample considered, the presence of parasites ranged from 155 to 1249 worms. Tapeworms (Cestoidea) were present in about 85% of the animals studied, and roundworms (Nematoda) in 100% of the individuals. All the tapeworms collected were of one single species, Anoplocephala perfoliata. In the case of the roundworms, the prevalence of individual species was: 100% for Cyathostomineae, 90% for Oxyuris equi, 70% for Strongylus vulgaris, 45% for S. edentatus, 15% for Strongylus equinus, 60% for Triodontophorus sp., 50% for Gyalocephalus capitatus, 15% for Oesophagodontus robustus and Craterostomum acuticaudatum, and 5% each for Parascaris equorum, Probstimayria vivipara, Habronema muscae, and Trichostrongylus axei. No specimens of flukes (Trematoda) were found in any of the animals studied.
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Publication Date: 2006-05-09 PubMed ID: 16687215DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.03.036Google 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.

This research was undertaken to understand the level of infestation and types of parasitic worms found in horses and mules in the Paraíba Valley, Brazil. Over 12 years, 20 animals were studied and it was found that all of them had roundworms and 85% had tapeworms.

Methods

  • The study was conducted over a long period of 12 years, from 1988 to 2000.
  • 20 individual equines, which included 16 horses and 4 mules, were selected at random for the research.
  • The animals were sourced from 10 different municipalities in the Paraíba Valley, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
  • A necropsy (an autopsy for animals) was conducted on each animal for the collection of gastrointestinal worms.
  • Individual samples of 10% of the contents of each animal’s intestines were taken for examination.

Findings

  • The number of parasites found in each animal ranged from 155 to 1249 worms.
  • Nearly 85% of the animals had tapeworms (Cestoidea), while 100% of the animals had roundworms (Nematoda).
  • The tapeworms found were all of the same species, namely Anoplocephala perfoliata.
  • When it came to roundworms, different species were found with varied prevalence.
  • The roundworm Cyathostomineae was found in all animals, while Oxyuris equi was found in 90%, Strongylus vulgaris in 70%, S. edentatus in 45%, and so on, with the least prevalent being Parascaris equorum, Probstimayria vivipara, Habronema muscae, and Trichostrongylus axei at 5% each.
  • No specimens of another possible type of parasites, flukes (Trematoda), were found in any of the animals studied.

Significance

  • The findings provide Deep insights into the gastrointestinal health of the equines in this area, and the extent of parasitic infestations they are subject to.
  • This study could act as a platform for further research to devise effective deworming strategies and monitor the health of equines in the region.
  • The data collected also acts as valuable input for veterinarians who are caring for horses and mules in the region.

Cite This Article

APA
Pereira JR, Vianna SS. (2006). Gastrointestinal parasitic worms in equines in the Paraíba Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Vet Parasitol, 140(3-4), 289-295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.03.036

Publication

Veterinary parasitology
ISSN: 0304-4017
NlmUniqueID: 7602745
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 140
Issue: 3-4
Pages: 289-295

Researcher Affiliations

Pereira, J R
  • APTA, São Paulo State Agribusiness Technology Agency, Paraíba Valley Regional Agribusiness Technological Regional Development Hub. PO Box 07, 12 411 010 Pindamonhangaba, SP, Brazil. jroberto@aptaregional.sp.gov.br
Vianna, S S S

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Brazil / epidemiology
    • Cestode Infections / epidemiology
    • Cestode Infections / veterinary
    • Equidae / parasitology
    • Helminthiasis, Animal / epidemiology
    • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
    • Horses
    • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology
    • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary
    • Nematode Infections / epidemiology
    • Nematode Infections / veterinary
    • Prevalence
    • Species Specificity

    Citations

    This article has been cited 15 times.
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