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Parasitology research2012; 112(1); 407-413; doi: 10.1007/s00436-012-3150-0

Prevalence, intensity and seasonality of gastrointestinal parasites in abattoir horses in Germany.

Abstract: Prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites were studied through a longitudinal survey in 400 horses over a 17-month period in an abattoir in Germany. Three hundred and ten horses (77.5 %) were demonstrated harbouring endoparasites either by direct recovery of parasites from the digestive tract and/or in terms of faecal egg counts (strongyles). The following parasites were found (percentage prevalence, range of counts): Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae (2.25 %, 1-154), Gasterophilus nasalis larvae (0.25 %, 44), Trichostrongylus axei (11.0 %, 1-3,620), Habronema majus (8.0 %; 1-422), Habronema muscae (26.5 %, 1-3,563), Habronema spp. fourth-stage larvae (5.5 %; 1-1,365), Parascaris equorum (total prevalence 11.3 %; adults 8.8 %, 1-178; fourth-stage larvae 2.5 %, 5-2,320), Anoplocephala perfoliata (28.5 %, 1-2,013) and Paranoplocephala mamillana (1.0 %, 1-11). Strongyle eggs (≥10 eggs per gram of faeces) were recorded in 60.8 % of the horses (10-6,450 eggs per gram of faeces).Prevalences of infection with T. axei, P. equorum and strongyles did not show a correlation to specific seasons. In contrast, a significant variation among seasons of collection was shown for the infection rates of Habronema spp. (p < 0.05) and A. perfoliata (p < 0.001). Seasonal prevalence of Habronema spp. infection was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in summer (39.0 %), autumn (34.8 %) and winter (36.5 %) than in spring (18.7 %), and A. perfoliata were significantly (p < 0.001) more often recorded during autumn (36.1 %) and winter (36.5 %) than in spring (17.3 %) and summer (15.9 %). Prevalences of T. axei, Habronema spp., strongyles and A. perfoliata in male and female horses were almost alike, but ascarids were significantly (p = 0.025) more often recorded in male than in female horses.
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Publication Date: 2012-10-11 PubMed ID: 23052780DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3150-0Google 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.

This research investigates the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses in an abattoir in Germany, looking at both the incidence and intensity, the impact of seasonality on these parasites and differences between male and female horses.

Research Objectives and Methods

The primary aim of this study is to understand the prevalence, intensity, and seasonality of gastrointestinal parasites in horses. The researchers conducted a longitudinal survey over a period of 17 months, involving 400 horses from an abattoir in Germany. The detection of endoparasites was based on direct recovery from the digestive tract of the horses and/or examination of faecal egg counts (specifically strongyles).

Findings

  • Out of the 400 horses, 310 (77.5%) were found to have endoparasites. The parasites discovered and their prevalence and count ranges were as follows: G. intestinalis larvae (2.25%, 1-154), G. nasalis larvae (0.25%, 44), T. axei (11.0%, 1-3,620), H. majus (8.0%; 1-422), H. muscae (26.5%, 1-3,563), Habronema spp. fourth-stage larvae (5.5%; 1-1,365), P. equorum (11.3%; adults 8.8%, 1-178; fourth-stage larvae 2.5%, 5-2,320), A. perfoliata (28.5%, 1-2,013) and P. mamillana (1.0%, 1-11).
  • Strongyle eggs were present in 60.8% of the horses, with an egg count range of 10 to 6,450 per gram of faeces.

Seasonality and the Prevalence of Infection

  • The research found no correlation between specific seasons and the prevalence of infection with T. axei, P. equorum and strongyles.
  • However, significant variations were noted in terms of infection rates for Habronema spp. and A. perfoliata across different seasons.
  • Habronema spp. infection was notably higher in summer, autumn and winter than in spring, while A. perfoliata was more commonly recorded during autumn and winter compared to spring and summer.

Gender Differences in Parasite Prevalence

  • The prevalence of T. axei, Habronema spp., strongyles and A. perfoliata was roughly the same in both male and female horses.
  • However, ascarids were recorded significantly more often in male horses compared to female horses.

This study provides important insights into the patterns of gastrointestinal parasite infestations amongst abattoir horses in Germany, possibly aiding in the formulation of targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Rehbein S, Visser M, Winter R. (2012). Prevalence, intensity and seasonality of gastrointestinal parasites in abattoir horses in Germany. Parasitol Res, 112(1), 407-413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-012-3150-0

Publication

Parasitology research
ISSN: 1432-1955
NlmUniqueID: 8703571
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 112
Issue: 1
Pages: 407-413

Researcher Affiliations

Rehbein, Steffen
  • Merial GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101, Rohrdorf, Germany. steffen.rehbein@merial.com
Visser, Martin
    Winter, Renate

      MeSH Terms

      • Abattoirs
      • Animals
      • Feces / parasitology
      • Female
      • Germany / epidemiology
      • Helminthiasis / epidemiology
      • Helminthiasis / parasitology
      • Helminthiasis, Animal / epidemiology
      • Helminthiasis, Animal / parasitology
      • Helminths / classification
      • Helminths / isolation & purification
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / parasitology
      • Horses
      • Intestinal Diseases / epidemiology
      • Intestinal Diseases / parasitology
      • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
      • Male
      • Parasite Egg Count
      • Prevalence
      • Seasons
      • Sex Factors

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