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Veterinary medicine international2021; 2021; 6686688; doi: 10.1155/2021/6686688

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis in Horses and Donkeys of Hawassa District, Southern Ethiopia.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal helminth parasite infection is a major influencing factor against the profitability of working equines all over the world. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract (GI) helminths and assess the associated risk factors in donkeys and horses in the Hawassa district. A total of 214 fecal samples were collected from randomly selected equines (112 donkeys and 102 horses) and examined for the presence of eggs of GI helminths using standard coprological techniques. Results: According to the current study, the prevalence of GI helminths in equine was 78.5% (168/214) and the highest prevalence was reported in donkeys 92% (103/112) as compared to horses 63% (65/102). Out of 168 positive samples, the different species of parasites were identified, namely, species 120 (56.1%), 76 (35.5%), 54 (25.2%), 34 (15.8%), 20 (9.3%), 18 (8.8%), species 12 (5.6%), and 4 (1.8%). There was a strong association between the prevalence of GI helminths and factors such as the species of equine, body condition scores, and feed type (  0.05) was observed between the prevalence of GI helminths and putative risk factors such as age, sex, housing, and water source. The coproculture performed on 30 pooled fecal samples revealed that , , and were the major helminth parasites of donkeys and horses. Conclusions: The frequency of gastrointestinal helminths in equine species was high, especially in donkeys. Hence, strategic deworming using broad-spectrum antihelminthic drugs and a rotational grazing program should be implemented to control and prevent the diseases.
Copyright © 2021 Mesfin Mathewos et al.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-07 PubMed ID: 34035889PubMed Central: PMC8124001DOI: 10.1155/2021/6686688Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infection, which affects the profitability of working horses and donkeys, in the Hawassa district of Southern Ethiopia. The study found a high infection rate, particularly in donkeys, and suggests strategic deworming and rotational grazing as solutions.

Research Methods

  • The study is a cross-sectional analysis carried out to understand the presence and prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites in donkeys and horses in Hawassa district. It was meant to aid in understanding how these parasites might impact the livelihood and profitability of equine animals in the region.
  • A total of 214 fecal samples were collected from randomly chosen equines. Among these, 112 were from donkeys and 102 were from horses.
  • The fecal samples were examined using standard coprological techniques to check for the presence of helminth eggs, which are the primary indicators of helminth infection.

Research Findings

  • The overall prevalence of GI helminths in the examined equines was 78.5% (168 out of 214), with donkeys showing a significantly higher prevalence rate (92% or 103 out of 112) than horses (63% or 65 out of 102).
  • Several different species of parasites were identified from helminth-positive samples, with percentages ranging from 1.8% to 56.1%.
  • The study found a strong association between the prevalence of GI helminths and factors such as the species of equine, body condition scores, and feed type.
  • There was no significant association observed between the presence of GI helminths and factors such as age, sex, housing, and water source.
  • The major helminth parasites of donkeys and horses were revealed by coproculture conducted on 30 pooled fecal samples.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • The research concludes that the frequency of gastrointestinal helminth infections in equine species was high, especially in donkeys. This infection rate poses a potential threat to the profitability and sustainability of equine livelihoods.
  • To control and prevent the diseases, the study recommends the implementation of strategic deworming using broad-spectrum antihelminthic drugs. Suggested preventative strategies also include a rotational grazing program for the equines.

Cite This Article

APA
Mathewos M, Girma D, Fesseha H, Yirgalem M, Eshetu E. (2021). Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis in Horses and Donkeys of Hawassa District, Southern Ethiopia. Vet Med Int, 2021, 6686688. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6686688

Publication

Veterinary medicine international
ISSN: 2090-8113
NlmUniqueID: 101524203
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2021
Pages: 6686688
PII: 6686688

Researcher Affiliations

Mathewos, Mesfin
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O. Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
Girma, Dawit
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O. Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
Fesseha, Haben
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O. Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
Yirgalem, Metages
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, PO. Box: 138, DireDawa, Ethiopia.
Eshetu, Eyob
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, P.O. Box: 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

All authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

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