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Onchocerca in horses from Western Canada and the northwestern United States: an abattoir survey of the prevalence of infection.

Abstract: In an abattoir survey of 383 horses from the four western provinces of Canada and 240 horses from Washington, Montana and North Dakota prevalences of Onchocerca sp of 11.8% and 25.8% respectively have been demonstrated by umbilical skin specimen examinations. The results of this survey are discussed in relation to the parasite's natural history and its clinical significance in western Canada.
Publication Date: 1984-03-01 PubMed ID: 17422371PubMed Central: PMC1790494
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research discusses an abattoir survey conducted on horses in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States revealing the prevalence of Onchocerca sp infestation. The results indicate an 11.8% prevalence in Canadian horses and a 25.8% prevalence in US horses, examined using umbilical skin specimens.

Survey Method and Findings

The methodology employed in this study involved a comprehensive survey of horses in abattoirs from four Western Canadian provinces and three Northwestern US states:

  • 383 horses were surveyed from the Western provinces of Canada – Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
  • 240 horses were surveyed from Washington, Montana, and North Dakota in the United States

The horses were examined for the presence of the Onchocerca parasite. The prevalence of the parasite was found to be 11.8% among the horses from Western Canada and 25.8% among the horses from the Northwestern US. The results were obtained through examination of umbilical skin specimens from the surveyed horses.

Possible Implications

The results of the study have several potential implications:

  • The comparatively high prevalence of Onchocerca sp in horses in the Northwestern US could potentially indicate a greater risk of infection for horses in this region versus their Western Canadian counterparts.
  • The presence of Onchocerca sp in these surveyed horses might affect their overall health and performance. This can be clinically significant for horse owners, veterinarians, and those involved in the equine industry.
  • The implications of these findings extend beyond the horses themselves, as Onchocerca sp is a disease vector known to affect other animals and even humans.

Significance for the Horse Industry

The findings of the survey are significant for the horse industry:

  • They give an idea about the regional prevalence of Onchocerca sp, aiding in the prediction and prevention of future outbreaks.
  • They can guide the formation of region-specific prevention strategies for Onchocerca sp infection in horses.
  • The data can help inform animal health policy and guideline development in affected regions.

Cite This Article

APA
Polley L. (1984). Onchocerca in horses from Western Canada and the northwestern United States: an abattoir survey of the prevalence of infection. Can Vet J, 25(3), 128-129.

Publication

ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 3
Pages: 128-129

Researcher Affiliations

Polley, L

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 4 times.
    1. Brown KA, Johnson AL, Bender SJ, Nolan TJ, Pfisterer B, Slack J, Willis E, Rule EK. Onchocerca sp. in an imported Zangersheide gelding causing suspensory ligament desmitis. J Vet Intern Med 2023 Mar;37(2):735-739.
      doi: 10.1111/jvim.16653pubmed: 36821075google scholar: lookup
    2. Papini RA, Lubas G, Sgorbini M. Incidental Detection of Onchocerca Microfilariae in Donkeys (Equus asinus) in Italy: Report of Four Cases. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:569916.
      doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.569916pubmed: 33240947google scholar: lookup
    3. Lia RP, Mutafchiev Y, Veneziano V, Giannelli A, Abramo F, Santoro M, Latrofa MS, Cantacessi C, Martin C, Otranto D, Bertuglia A, Riccio B. Filarial infection caused by Onchocerca boehmi (Supperer, 1953) in a horse from Italy. Parasitol Res 2017 Jan;116(1):191-198.
      doi: 10.1007/s00436-016-5277-xpubmed: 27761717google scholar: lookup
    4. Onmaz AC, Beutel RG, Schneeberg K, Pavaloiu AN, Komarek A, van den Hoven R. Vectors and vector-borne diseases of horses. Vet Res Commun 2013 Mar;37(1):65-81.
      doi: 10.1007/s11259-012-9537-7pubmed: 23054414google scholar: lookup