Prevalence of botfly larvae and lice in studs of North Caucasus (Stawropol County, Russia).

The study examined horses in North Caucasus, Russia, for the presence of botfly larvae and lice, identifying a high prevalence of both.

Study Overview and Methodology

• The study was conducted over two periods: between 14 to 17 April 1990 and 12 to 21 May 1993.
• A total of 162 horses, consisting of local halfbred and thoroughbred breeds, were examined for ectoparasites in Stawropol County, Russia.
• The presence of botfly larvae was determined through a careful examination of 9700 faecal samples collected 3 to 4 days after the horses had been orally treated with Eqvalan, Strongid Plus, and Vermitan Plus.
• Meanwhile, the horses were physically inspected for the presence of lice.

Findings on Botfly Larvae

• The researchers found 4054 botfly larvae distributed among the faecal samples.
• Various species of botfly larvae were identified, with Gasterophilus intestinalis being the most prevalent (about 84.53%).
• Other species included G. nasalis (10.41%), G. haemorrhoidalis (3.62%), and G. inermis (1.41%).
• Significantly, G. nasalis and G. inermis were recorded in the North Caucasian region for the first time through this study.

Findings on Lice

• The physical examination of 114 halfbred horses and all 26 thoroughbred horses revealed that all were infested with lice.
• Both biting lice (Werneckiella equi equi) and sucking lice (Haematopinus asini) were found on the horses.

Conclusions

• The findings from this study point to a high prevalence of both botfly larvae and lice infestations among stud horses in the North Caucasus region of Russia.
• It also added new data to the existing literature by identifying G. nasalis and G. inermis botfly species in the region for the first time.
• Such findings can shed light on the health challenges facing these horse populations and guide the development of appropriate parasite control measures.