FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Journal of parasitology research2009; 2009; 616173; doi: 10.1155/2009/616173

Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Parasites in Horses under an Oceanic Climate Area (NW Spain).

Abstract: A coprological survey to determine the influence of some intrinsic factors (breed, age, and sex) on the infection by helminth parasites in equine livestock (n = 418) under an oceanic climate area (NW Spain) was conducted. Faecal samples were individually collected and analyzed by the coprological techniques. The main strongylid genera identified were Trichonema and Cyalocephalus spp (small strongyles) and Strongylus and Triodontophorus (large strongyles). The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode was 89% (95% CI 86, 92) and 1% cestoda (0, 2). The percentage of horses with strongyloid parasites was 89% (86, 92), 11% (8, 14) for Parascaris, and 3% (1, 5) for Oxyuris. The highest prevalence for ascariosis was observed in the youngest horses (10 years animals, and for strongylosis in the 3-10 years ones. Females were significantly more parasitized than males. A negative correlation between the age and the egg-excretion of ascarids and strongyles was recorded. The autochthonous and the English Pure Blood horses were the most parasitized. We concluded that the infections by helminths, especially the strongyloids, are significantly common in the region, so that greater importance should be given to this situation.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2009-04-08 PubMed ID: 20721327PubMed Central: PMC2915776DOI: 10.1155/2009/616173Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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.

The research studies the impact of certain inherent factors like breed, age, and sex on the infection of horses by helminth parasites in a geographical region known for its oceanic climate, North-West Spain. It concludes that helminth infections, particularly those caused by small and large strongyles, are common in this region and advocates for more attention to be devoted to this problem.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers embarked on a comprehensive survey (coprological) of equine livestock consisting of 418 horses.
  • The examination was focused on understanding the impact of inherent factors such as breed, age, and sex on the susceptibility of horses to helminth infections.
  • Faecal samples were collected individually from each horse and analyzed using coprological techniques.

Key Findings

  • The primary strongylid genera identified were Trichonema, Cyalocephalus (small strongyles), Strongylus, and Triodontophorus (large strongyles).
  • The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes was found to be 89% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) between 86 and 92, and 1% for cestoda with a CI of 0-2.
  • The prevalence of strongyloid parasites was found to be 89%, 11% for Parascaris, and 3% for Oxyuris.
  • The researchers found that ascariosis was more prevalent among the youngest horses (under 3 years), whereas oxyurosis was common among the older horses (above 10 years), and strongylosis was observed in horses aged between 3-10 years.
  • Female horses were found to be significantly more parasitized than male horses.
  • The study also revealed a negative correlation between the age of the horses and egg-excretion of ascarids and strongyles.
  • The most parasitized horses were found to be the autochthonous (native) and English Pure Blood breeds.

Conclusion

  • The research concluded that helminth infections, particularly strongyloids, are rampant in the horse population of this oceanic climate region (NW Spain).
  • The study advocates for greater attention to be given to this problem, especially considering its implications on horse health and welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Francisco I, Arias M, Cortiñas FJ, Francisco R, Mochales E, Dacal V, Suárez JL, Uriarte J, Morrondo P, Sánchez-Andrade R, Díez-Baños P, Paz-Silva A. (2009). Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Parasites in Horses under an Oceanic Climate Area (NW Spain). J Parasitol Res, 2009, 616173. https://doi.org/10.1155/2009/616173

Publication

Journal of parasitology research
ISSN: 2090-0031
NlmUniqueID: 101526294
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2009
PII: 616173

Researcher Affiliations

Francisco, I
  • Animal Pathology Department, Epidemiology, Zoonoses and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002-Lugo, Spain.
Arias, M
    Cortiñas, F J
      Francisco, R
        Mochales, E
          Dacal, V
            Suárez, J L
              Uriarte, J
                Morrondo, P
                  Sánchez-Andrade, R
                    Díez-Baños, P
                      Paz-Silva, A

                        References

                        This article includes 21 references
                        1. Pereira JR, Vianna SS. Gastrointestinal parasitic worms in equines in the Paraíba Valley, State of São Paulo, Brazil.. Vet Parasitol 2006 Sep 10;140(3-4):289-95.
                          pubmed: 16687215doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.03.036google scholar: lookup
                        2. Osterman Lind E, Höglund J, Ljungström BL, Nilsson O, Uggla A. A field survey on the distribution of strongyle infections of horses in Sweden and factors affecting faecal egg counts.. Equine Vet J 1999 Jan;31(1):68-72.
                          pubmed: 9952332doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03793.xgoogle scholar: lookup
                        3. Larsen MM, Lendal S, Chriél M, Olsen SN, Bjørn H. Risk factors for high endoparasitic burden and the efficiency of a single anthelmintic treatment of Danish horses.. Acta Vet Scand 2002;43(2):99-106.
                          pmc: PMC1764195pubmed: 12173507doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-43-99google scholar: lookup
                        4. Bucknell DG, Gasser RB, Beveridge I. The prevalence and epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites of horses in Victoria, Australia.. Int J Parasitol 1995 Jun;25(6):711-24.
                          pubmed: 7657457doi: 10.1016/0020-7519(94)00214-9google scholar: lookup
                        5. Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Collins SS. Prevalence of large endoparasites at necropsy in horses infected with Population B small strongyles in a herd established in Kentucky in 1966.. Parasitol Res 2006 Jul;99(2):114-8.
                          pubmed: 16508764doi: 10.1007/s00436-005-0116-5google scholar: lookup
                        6. Kuzmina TA, Kuzmin YI, Kharchenko VA. Field study on the survival, migration and overwintering of infective larvae of horse strongyles on pasture in central Ukraine.. Vet Parasitol 2006 Nov 5;141(3-4):264-72.
                          pubmed: 16860937doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.06.005google scholar: lookup
                        7. Herd RP. Performing equine faecal egg counts. Veterinary Medicine 1992;87:240–244.
                        8. MAFF. Manual of Veterinary Parasitological Laboratory Techniques. London, UK: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, HMSO; 1986.
                        9. Osterman E. Prevalence and control of strongyle nematode infections of horses in Sweden. Uppsala, Sweden: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; 2005. Doctoral thesis.
                        10. Lichtenfels JR. Helminths of domestic equids: illustrated keys to genera and species with emphasis on North American forms. Proceedings of the Helminthological Society of Washington 1975;42:1–92.
                        11. Hodgkinson JE. Molecular diagnosis and equine parasitology.. Vet Parasitol 2006 Mar 15;136(2):109-16.
                          pubmed: 16427739doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.12.006google scholar: lookup
                        12. O'Meara B, Mulcahy G. A survey of helminth control practices in equine establishments in Ireland.. Vet Parasitol 2002 Oct 16;109(1-2):101-10.
                          pubmed: 12383629doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00249-2google scholar: lookup
                        13. Romaniuk K, Reszka K, Lasota E. [Influence of animal breeding manner on the occurence of internal parasites].. Wiad Parazytol 2004;50(3):647-51.
                          pubmed: 16865981
                        14. Love S, Murphy D, Mellor D. Pathogenicity of cyathostome infection.. Vet Parasitol 1999 Aug 31;85(2-3):113-21; discussion 121-2, 215-25.
                          pubmed: 10485358doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00092-8google scholar: lookup
                        15. Lyons ET, Swerczek TW, Tolliver SC, Bair HD, Drudge JH, Ennis LE. Prevalence of selected species of internal parasites in equids at necropsy in central Kentucky (1995-1999).. Vet Parasitol 2000 Sep 10;92(1):51-62.
                          pubmed: 10936545doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(00)00266-1google scholar: lookup
                        16. Proudman CJ, Edwards GB. Validation of a centrifugation/flotation technique for the diagnosis of equine cestodiasis.. Vet Rec 1992 Jul 25;131(4):71-2.
                          pubmed: 1529504doi: 10.1136/vr.131.4.71google scholar: lookup
                        17. Meana A, Luzon M, Corchero J, Gómez-Bautista M. Reliability of coprological diagnosis of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection.. Vet Parasitol 1998 Jan 15;74(1):79-83.
                          pubmed: 9493312doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(97)00145-3google scholar: lookup
                        18. Mfitilodze MW, Hutchinson GW. Prevalence and intensity of non-strongyle intestinal parasites of horses in northern Queensland.. Aust Vet J 1989 Jan;66(1):23-6.
                          pubmed: 2930389doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1989.tb09708.xgoogle scholar: lookup
                        19. Collobert-Laugier C, Hoste H, Sevin C, Chartier C, Dorchies P. Mast cell and eosinophil mucosal responses in the large intestine of horses naturally infected with cyathostomes.. Vet Parasitol 2002 Aug 2;107(3):251-64.
                          pubmed: 12127254doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00119-xgoogle scholar: lookup
                        20. Klei TR, Chapman MR. Immunity in equine cyathostome infections.. Vet Parasitol 1999 Aug 31;85(2-3):123-33; discussion 133-6, 215-25.
                          pubmed: 10485359doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00093-xgoogle scholar: lookup
                        21. Fikru R, Reta D, Bizunesh M. Prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites in western high lands of Oromia, Ethiopia. Bulletin of the Animal Health Production in Africa 2005;53(3):161–166.

                        Citations

                        This article has been cited 13 times.
                        1. Elghryani N, McOwan T, Mincher C, Duggan V, de Waal T. Estimating the Prevalence and Factors Affecting the Shedding of Helminth Eggs in Irish Equine Populations. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 7;13(4).
                          doi: 10.3390/ani13040581pubmed: 36830368google scholar: lookup
                        2. Boisseau M, Dhorne-Pollet S, Bars-Cortina D, Courtot É, Serreau D, Annonay G, Lluch J, Gesbert A, Reigner F, Sallé G, Mach N. Species interactions, stability, and resilience of the gut microbiota - Helminth assemblage in horses. iScience 2023 Feb 17;26(2):106044.
                          doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106044pubmed: 36818309google scholar: lookup
                        3. Ilić T, Bogunović D, Nenadović K, Gajić B, Dimitrijević S, Popović G, Kulišić Z, Milosavljević P. Gastrointestinal Helminths in Horses in Serbia and Various Factors Affecting the Prevalence. Acta Parasitol 2023 Mar;68(1):56-69.
                          doi: 10.1007/s11686-022-00636-zpubmed: 36350537google scholar: lookup
                        4. Alemayehu MT, Abebe BK, Haile SM. Investigation of Strongyle Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Horses in and around Alage District, Ethiopia. J Parasitol Res 2022;2022:3935008.
                          doi: 10.1155/2022/3935008pubmed: 35989863google scholar: lookup
                        5. Negash W, Erdachew Y, Dubie T. Prevalence of Strongyle Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Horses and Donkeys in and around Mekelle City, Northern Part of Ethiopia. Vet Med Int 2021;2021:9430824.
                          doi: 10.1155/2021/9430824pubmed: 34336180google scholar: lookup
                        6. Slivinska K, Klich D, Yasynetska N, Żygowska M. The Effects of Seasonality and Group Size on Fecal Egg Counts in Wild Przewalski's Horses (Equus Ferus Przewalskii, Poljakov, 1881) in The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine During 2014 - 2018. Helminthologia 2020 Dec;57(4):314-321.
                          doi: 10.2478/helm-2020-0042pubmed: 33364900google scholar: lookup
                        7. Scala A, Tamponi C, Sanna G, Predieri G, Dessì G, Sedda G, Buono F, Cappai MG, Veneziano V, Varcasia A. Gastrointestinal Strongyles Egg Excretion in Relation to Age, Gender, and Management of Horses in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2020 Dec 3;10(12).
                          doi: 10.3390/ani10122283pubmed: 33287298google scholar: lookup
                        8. Saeed MA, Beveridge I, Abbas G, Beasley A, Bauquier J, Wilkes E, Jacobson C, Hughes KJ, El-Hage C, O'Handley R, Hurley J, Cudmore L, Carrigan P, Walter L, Tennent-Brown B, Nielsen MK, Jabbar A. Systematic review of gastrointestinal nematodes of horses from Australia. Parasit Vectors 2019 Apr 29;12(1):188.
                          doi: 10.1186/s13071-019-3445-4pubmed: 31036059google scholar: lookup
                        9. Matto TN, Bharkad GP, Bhat SA. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of equids from organized farms of Mumbai and Pune. J Parasit Dis 2015 Jun;39(2):179-85.
                          doi: 10.1007/s12639-013-0315-4pubmed: 26063996google scholar: lookup
                        10. Khosravi M, Kavosh F, Taghavi-Moghadam A, Ghaem-Maghami S, Pirali-Kheirabadi K, Rahimi-Feyli P, Navid-Pour S, Amin-Pour A, Arbabi F. Comparison of helminth and hard tick infestation between riding and work horses in Ahwaz, Iran. Comp Clin Path 2012 Jun;21(3):333-336.
                          doi: 10.1007/s00580-011-1280-xpubmed: 22707930google scholar: lookup
                        11. Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Kuzmina TA. Investigation of strongyle EPG values in horse mares relative to known age, number positive, and level of egg shedding in field studies on 26 farms in Central Kentucky (2010-2011). Parasitol Res 2012 Jun;110(6):2237-45.
                          doi: 10.1007/s00436-011-2755-zpubmed: 22167377google scholar: lookup
                        12. Kuzmina TA. Contamination of the environment by strongylid (Nematoda: Strongylidae) infective larvae at horse farms of various types in Ukraine. Parasitol Res 2012 May;110(5):1665-74.
                          doi: 10.1007/s00436-011-2684-xpubmed: 22006190google scholar: lookup
                        13. Paz-Silva A, Francisco R, Rodríguez I, Francisco I, Cazapal-Monteiro CF, Arias MS, Suárez JL, Sánchez-Andrade R. Isolation of potentially useful antigens from cyathostomin third-stage larvae by using a fast protein liquid chromatography one-step method. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2011 Sep;18(9):1462-6.
                          doi: 10.1128/CVI.05189-11pubmed: 21775518google scholar: lookup
                        Subscribe to our newsletter
                        Join 99,911 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.