Observations on the population dynamics of five cyathostome nematode species of horses in northern USA.
Abstract: Monthly variations in the magnitude of adult and larval cyathostome burdens were observed in 55 horses necropsied over a 15-month period in the northern USA. Peak numbers of adult cyathostomes occurred in late winter (March) and late summer (September). Larval cyathostomes demonstrated peak numbers from February to April and again in October, beginning one month earlier than the spring adult peak and one month after the autumn adult peak, respectively. The reproductive status of individual female Cyathostomum catinatum, Cyath coronatum, Cylicocyclus nassatus, Cylicostephanus goldi and Cylicostephanus longibursatus was classified as immature, gravid or spent. Seasonal changes in these classifications were monitored as a marker for the age structure of these populations. Each reproductive category of female small strongyle was dominant during only one period per year and these periods were similarly distributed for all five species examined. Immature cyathostomes were most common from late winter to spring (March to May); gravid worms were predominant beginning in spring (April/May) and continuing into autumn (October to December). Spent females prevailed from autumn through winter (October to March/April).
Publication Date: 1986-03-01 PubMed ID: 3698949DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03564.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research article studied the population changes and behaviors of five species of cyathostome parasites found in horses in the northern United States, recording variations on a monthly basis over a period of 15 months.
Overview of the Study
- The study focused on observing the variations in adult and larval cyathostome parasites burden in horses over a time period of 15 months. Different aspects of the parasites’ life cycle, such as their reproductive process and growth stages, were studied.
- A total of 55 horses were necropsied (a procedure similar to an autopsy), thereby collecting data from a substantial sample size.
Findings on Population Variations
- Researchers observed that adult cyathostome numbers peaked in late winter (March) and late summer (September) whereas larval cyathostomes showed peak numbers from February to April and again in October.
- The variations in number infer increased activity or breeding during these periods. For the larvae, peaks in population started a month earlier than the adult peak in spring and a month later in autumn, indicating the lifecycle progression of the parasites.
Investigation into Reproductive Status
- The study further probed into the reproductive status of individual female cyathostomes, classifying them as immature, gravid (carrying eggs or larvae), or spent (post reproduction).
- The modifications in these classifications across different seasons were monitored to understand the age structure of these nematode populations.
Reproductive Patterns Across Seasons
- Each reproductive category dominated only one particular period in a year, and these durations were uniformly distributed across all five species of cyathostomes studied.
- Immature cyathostomes were most common from late winter to spring (March to May); gravid worms were predominant beginning in spring (April/May) and continuing into autumn (October to December). The spent females were most commonly found from autumn through winter (October to March/April).
- The research examined and correlated the reproductive and lifecycle patterns of the cyathostome species across different seasons of the year.
Cite This Article
APA
Reinemeyer CR, Smith SA, Gabel AA, Herd RP.
(1986).
Observations on the population dynamics of five cyathostome nematode species of horses in northern USA.
Equine Vet J, 18(2), 121-124.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03564.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Population Dynamics
- Seasons
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / epidemiology
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / pathology
- Strongyloidea
- United States
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- 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.
- Matthews JB, Peczak N, Lightbody KL. The Use of Innovative Diagnostics to Inform Sustainable Control of Equine Helminth Infections. Pathogens 2023 Oct 11;12(10).
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