[Occurrence and treatment of Bovicola (Damalinia) equi (Linnaeus, 1758) infestation on a thoroughbred horse farm.].

The study documents a case of lice infestation on a thoroughbred horse farm and the subsequent successful treatment using propoxur. The research fills a gap in data on the occurrence and prevalence of Bovicola (Damalinia) equi, a variety of lice, in horses in Turkey.

Objective of the Study

• The study aims to document a case of Bovicola (Damalinia) equi infestation in thoroughbred horses in a farm in Turkey, a region where there is limited data available considering these specific equine pathogens.
• Another objective of the research is to report the effectiveness of using propoxur for treating this type of lice infestation.

Background and Significance

• The study background highlights that lice infestation in horses predominantly occurs during winter months, resulting in severe itching and an unkept coat condition in affected animals.
• It points out that while two variants of lice, Bovicola (Damalinia) equi and Haemotopinus asini, are known to affect horses, minimal data is available regarding their occurrence and prevalence, especially in Turkey.

Findings of the Study

• The research reveals that on a thoroughbred farm in Turkey, two horses were discovered to have an infestation of Bovicola (Damalinia) equi.
• The affected horses were subsequently treated with propoxur, a pesticide commonly used to control ticks, fleas, and lice.

Success of the Treatment

• The study reports that the treatment conducted was highly effective, with no lice or nymphs (immature lice) being detectable after a treatment period of just 10 days, indicating the potential effectiveness of propoxur in managing similar infestations.

Contribution to the Field

• The study significantly contributes to the limited pool of data regarding the occurrence, prevalence, and treatment of Bovicola (Damalinia) equi infestations in horses in Turkey.
• It provides useful information for veterinary practitioners in regions where similar infestations might be prevalent, providing them with a potentially effective treatment option for such cases.