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Veterinary medicine and science2017; 3(2); 63-70; doi: 10.1002/vms3.56

Preliminary study of ectoparasites of horses in the western highlands of Cameroon.

Abstract: To evaluate the prevalence of infestation of ectoparasites of horses, a total of 894 horses (367 males and 527 females), aged 1-7 years old were examined. Horses were groomed for collection of ectoparasites. Out of the horses examined, 164 came from Fundong, 80 from Acha, 30 from Fongo-Tongo, 30 from Fokoue and 17 from Dschang, all of which were infested with ectoparasites. Five hundred and seventy-three (573) horses came from Banso and 99.48% were infested by ectoparasites. From the results obtained, three species of hard ticks ( and ) and one species of biting lice () were identified. (66%) had the highest prevalence per locality, followed by .  (18%), .  (11%) and (5%). infested horses of all ages, sex or colour. Meanwhile, and .  had a higher prevalence in adult male horses. Mono-parasitic infestation (69%) was more common than poly-parasitic infestation (31%). Only three horses were free from infestation with ectoparasites. Understanding the biology, epidemiology and economic impact on the equine industry is important for public health and disease prevention programmes.
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Publication Date: 2017-02-02 PubMed ID: 28713574PubMed Central: PMC5488173DOI: 10.1002/vms3.56Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The study documents the occurrence and types of ectoparasites found on horses in various regions of the western highlands of Cameroon. They examined 894 horses and found four types of ectoparasites, with a particular tick species being the most prevalent.

Study Design and Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a thorough inspection of 894 horses in the western highlands of Cameroon, between the ages of 1 to 7 years, including 367 males and 527 females.
  • The horses were groomed to facilitate the collection of ectoparasites.
  • Locations of the studied horses included Fundong, Acha, Fongo-Tongo, Fokoue, Dschang, and Banso.

Findings and Analysis

  • Among the studied horses, a majority (99.48%) from the Banso region were found infested with ectoparasites.
  • Three species of hard ticks and one species of biting lice were identified among the collected ectoparasites.
  • The tick species Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was the most prevalent (66%), followed by Hyalomma truncatum (18%), Amblyomma variegatum (11%), and the biting lice species Werneckiella equi (5%).
  • Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi infested horses regardless of age, sex, or color, while Hyalomma truncatum and Amblyomma variegatum were more prevalent in adult male horses.
  • Most horses were found to have mono-parasitic infestation (69%), rather than poly-parasitic infestation (31%).
  • Only three horses among the examined population were free from ectoparasitic infestation.

Conclusions and Implications

  • This study provides important insights into the prevalence and types of ectoparasitic infestations in horses in the western highlands of Cameroon.
  • Understanding the biology and epidemiology of these parasites, as well as their economic impact on the equine industry, is crucial for developing public health measures and disease prevention programs.
  • Future research is needed to further investigate the specific impacts of these ectoparasites on the health and productivity of the horses, as well as the potential risks they may pose to humans and other animals in the areas studied.

Cite This Article

APA
Payne VK, Mbafor FL, Wabo Pone J, Tchoumboué J. (2017). Preliminary study of ectoparasites of horses in the western highlands of Cameroon. Vet Med Sci, 3(2), 63-70. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.56

Publication

Veterinary medicine and science
ISSN: 2053-1095
NlmUniqueID: 101678837
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
Pages: 63-70

Researcher Affiliations

Payne, Vincent Khan
  • Laboratory of Biology and Applied EcologyDepartment of Animal BiologyFaculty of ScienceUniversity of DschangPO Box 67DschangCameroon.
Mbafor, Fidelia Lem
  • Laboratory of Biology and Applied EcologyDepartment of Animal BiologyFaculty of ScienceUniversity of DschangPO Box 67DschangCameroon.
Wabo Pone, Josué
  • Laboratory of Biology and Applied EcologyDepartment of Animal BiologyFaculty of ScienceUniversity of DschangPO Box 67DschangCameroon.
Tchoumboué, Joseph
  • Department of Animal ProductionFaculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences University of DschangCameroonPO Box 222DschangCameroon.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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