Onchocerca Cervicalis: A Survey into Awareness and Knowledge of The Parasite Amongst UK Equine Veterinarians.
Abstract: The nematode Onchocerca cervicalis is the most common causative agent of equine onchocerciasis; this condition is characterised by pruritus and dermatitis and is a differential diagnosis for insect bite hypersensitivity. Onchocerciasis is currently presumed of minor importance within the UK, however prevalence may increase if macrocyclic lactone use declines amid concerns about anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes. This survey aimed to establish O. cervicalis awareness and knowledge levels amongst UK equine veterinarians and to determine approximate numbers of UK horses affected with unresponsive cases of dermatoses, including insect bite hypersensitivity. An online survey was distributed to UK equine vets between December 2019 and February 2020. Of 88 respondents, 78% were aware of O. cervicalis, however 49% of these answered less than half the questions presented about the parasite's lifecycle correctly. Approximately 25% of insect bite hypersensitivity cases respondents saw were deemed unresponsive to standard treatments, 84% of respondents had not previously considered onchocerciasis as a differential diagnosis in such cases. Findings suggest knowledge of O. cervicalis amongst UK equine vets is lacking, highlighting a need to raise awareness and consideration of the parasite as a differential when investigating equine dermatoses.
Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2022-04-01 PubMed ID: 35367519DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103942Google 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.
- 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.
Onchocerca Cervicalis is a common parasitic nematode causing the skin condition known as onchocerciasis in horses. This research paper reports on a survey conducted among UK equine veterinarians about their knowledge and awareness of this parasite and highlights a need to raise more awareness about this condition for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Objective of Study
- The aim of the survey conducted among UK equine veterinarians was to identify the levels of awareness and understanding of the O. cervicalis nematode and figure out the approximate numbers of horses affected by dermatoses (skin diseases), with special attention to insect bite hypersensitivity that does not respond to standard treatments.
Methodology
- Between December 2019 and February 2020, an online survey was distributed amongst UK equine veterinarians. The survey collected responses from 88 veterinarians, focusing on their knowledge and understanding of O. cervicalis.
Findings
- Results indicated that 78% of the surveyed veterinarians were aware of the O. cervicalis nematode. However, only 51% of those were able to answer more than half of the questions about the nematode’s lifecycle correctly.
- Survey results also revealed that about one in four (25%) cases of insect bite hypersensitivity seen by the respondents did not respond to standard treatments, indicating a possible issue with diagnosis or treatment strategies.
- Significantly, 84% of the respondents had not considered onchocerciasis as a potential diagnosis in cases of unresolved dermatoses, revealing a gap in awareness or knowledge about this specific condition.
Conclusion
- These findings suggest a gap in the knowledge of UK equine veterinarians regarding O.cervicalis and the condition it causes, onchocerciasis. The authors of this research underline the importance of raising awareness about this parasite as a differential diagnosis especially when investigating equine skin diseases that do not respond to standard treatments.
Cite This Article
APA
Mansell SE, Behnke MC.
(2022).
Onchocerca Cervicalis: A Survey into Awareness and Knowledge of The Parasite Amongst UK Equine Veterinarians.
J Equine Vet Sci, 114, 103942.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103942 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, England, TF10 8NB. Electronic address: sarahmansell04@gmail.com.
- Department of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, England, TF10 8NB.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Humans
- Insect Bites and Stings / veterinary
- Onchocerca
- Onchocerciasis / drug therapy
- Onchocerciasis / veterinary
- Parasites
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- United Kingdom / epidemiology
- Veterinarians
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
