[Occurrence of nematodes in horses from the Northern region, State of Tocantins, Brazil].

This study examined the prevalence of nematodes, a type of parasitic worm, in horses and donkeys in the Northern Region of the state of Tocantins, Brazil. The research found that large strongyles, small strongyles, and Dictyocaulus species were significantly present while Habronema species were not detected.

Methodology

• The research was conducted using fecal samples from a total of 101 animals, including 70 horses and 31 donkeys.
• The samples were gathered from animals of different ages in the municipalities of Nova Olinda, Araguanã, Babaçulândia, and Santa Tereza within the Northern Region of the state of Tocantins, Brazil.

Procedure

• The fecal examination involved multiple steps like counting the number of eggs per gram of faeces, identifying and quantifying the larvae, and diagnosing habronemosis and lungworms. This provided a holistic view of the parasitic presence in the animals.

Findings

• The findings showed a significant occurrence of large strongyles, small strongyles, and Dictyocaulus species in the samples. These are types of nematodes, or parasitic worms, that can cause various health problems in equines, including digestive disorders and respiratory conditions.
• In contrast, there was no detection of Habronema species larvae in the fecal samples. Habronema is another genus of nematodes that often infest horses and cause skin sores and gastritis, among other conditions. The absence of these in the examined population indicates they may not be a significant parasitic health concern in these regions for the equines compared to the other identified nematodes.

Implications

• This research has implications for equine health management in the Northern Region of the state of Tocantins. Knowing the types of parasitic nematodes most likely to infest horses and donkeys can guide veterinarians and animal caretakers in more effective and targeted preventive and treatment strategies.