Prevalence of selected species of internal parasites in equids at necropsy in central Kentucky (1995-1999).
Abstract: A survey to determine current prevalence of several species of endoparasites in equids (n=350) at necropsy was conducted at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in central Kentucky (1995-1999). Thelazia lacrymalis were found in 42% of the 1- to 4-year olds (n=132), which was the only age group examined for these parasites. Five- to 30-year olds (n=157), examined for Onchocerca spp. worms/lesions, had a prevalence of 24%. In > or =1-year olds (n=324), the infection rate for Gasterophilus intestinalis was 12% for second instars and 14% for third instars and for Gasterophilus nasalis was 2% for second instars and 2% for third instars. For Anoplocephala perfoliata (n=268 equids), prevalence was 52%. Data were compiled for the equids according to breed, age, sex, month of necropsy, and number of parasites. Arterial lesions caused by migrating Strongylus vulgaris larvae were observed in a low number (3 of 52) of equids. Specific examination for Parascaris equorum revealed that 46% of 13 weanlings and 10% of 20 older horses were infected. Anoplocephala magna were found in one of the weanlings. Compared to previous studies (about 15-25 years ago) in Kentucky, the present survey indicated the genera Onchocerca and Gasterophilus greatly declined but Thelazia, Anoplocephala, and Parascaris did not.
Publication Date: 2000-08-11 PubMed ID: 10936545DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(00)00266-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper reports on a study done between 1995-1999, in Kentucky, examining the prevalence of certain types of internal parasites in horses during post-mortem examinations. The study found varying prevalence rates for different types of parasites and noted that some have declined since previous studies conducted 15-25 years ago.
Objective of the Research
The study aimed to identify the current prevalence of various species of endoparasites (internal parasites) in horses through necropsies (post-mortem examinations). The examination was conducted at the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in central Kentucky from 1995-1999.
Study Participants and Methodology
- The study involved 350 equids (the horse family, including horses, donkeys, and zebras) of varying age groups.
- The age groups examined for different parasites were 1-4 years (for Thelazia lacrymalis), 5-30 years (for Onchocerca spp.), ‘> or =1-year olds’ (for Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis), and unspecified (for Anoplocephala perfoliata).
- Each of the participants underwent necropsy to check for the prevalence of the selected internal parasites.
Key Findings
- 42% of 1-4 year olds were found with Thelazia lacrymalis.
- 24% prevalence of Onchocerca spp. was found in 5-30 year olds.
- The infection rate for Gasterophilus intestinalis in ‘> or =1-year olds’ was 12% for second instars and 14% for third instars, while for Gasterophilus nasalis, it was 2% for both the stages.
- Half of the number (52%) were found with Anoplocephala perfoliata.
- Parascaris equorum was found in 46% of 13 weanlings and 10% of 20 older horses.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Studies
When compared with earlier surveys done around 15-25 years ago in Kentucky, the study found that the prevalence of Onchocerca and Gasterophilus have fallen significantly. However, the prevalence of Thelazia, Anoplocephala, and Parascaris remains similar.
Conclusion
The study successfully provides an update on the current prevalence rates of different internal parasites in horses in central Kentucky. It also suggests a trend of some parasites declining while others persisting since the last studies.
Cite This Article
APA
Lyons ET, Swerczek TW, Tolliver SC, Bair HD, Drudge JH, Ennis LE.
(2000).
Prevalence of selected species of internal parasites in equids at necropsy in central Kentucky (1995-1999).
Vet Parasitol, 92(1), 51-62.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-4017(00)00266-1 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA. elyons1@pop.uky.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Autopsy / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology
- Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / veterinary
- Kentucky / epidemiology
- Male
- Prevalence
- Spirurida Infections / epidemiology
- Spirurida Infections / veterinary
- Thelazioidea / isolation & purification
Citations
This article has been cited 16 times.- Courtot É, Boisseau M, Dhorne-Pollet S, Serreau D, Gesbert A, Reigner F, Basiaga M, Kuzmina T, Lluch J, Annonay G, Kuchly C, Diekmann I, Krücken J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Mach N, Sallé G. Comparison of two molecular barcodes for the study of equine strongylid communities with amplicon sequencing. PeerJ 2023;11:e15124.
- Zhang B, Huang H, Wang H, Zhang D, Chu H, Ma X, Ge Y, Ente M, Li K. Genetic diversity of common Gasterophilus spp. from distinct habitats in China. Parasit Vectors 2018 Aug 22;11(1):474.
- 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.
- Pilo C, Altea A, Scala A. Gasterophilosis in horses in Sardinia (Italy): effect of meteorological variables on adult egg-laying activity and presence of larvae in the digestive tract, and update of species. Parasitol Res 2015 May;114(5):1693-702.
- Getachew AM, Innocent G, Proudman CJ, Trawford A, Feseha G, Reid SW, Faith B, Love S. Field efficacy of praziquantel oral paste against naturally acquired equine cestodes in Ethiopia. Parasitol Res 2013 Jan;112(1):141-6.
- Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Kuzmina TA. Investigation of strongyle EPG values in horse mares relative to known age, number positive, and level of egg shedding in field studies on 26 farms in Central Kentucky (2010-2011). Parasitol Res 2012 Jun;110(6):2237-45.
- Kuzmina TA. Contamination of the environment by strongylid (Nematoda: Strongylidae) infective larvae at horse farms of various types in Ukraine. Parasitol Res 2012 May;110(5):1665-74.
- Lyons ET, Kuzmina TA, Tolliver SC, Collins SS. Observations on development of natural infection and species composition of small strongyles in young equids in Kentucky. Parasitol Res 2011 Dec;109(6):1529-35.
- Francisco I, Arias M, Cortiñas FJ, Francisco R, Mochales E, Dacal V, Suárez JL, Uriarte J, Morrondo P, Sánchez-Andrade R, Díez-Baños P, Paz-Silva A. Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Parasites in Horses under an Oceanic Climate Area (NW Spain). J Parasitol Res 2009;2009.
- Corning S. Equine cyathostomins: a review of biology, clinical significance and therapy. Parasit Vectors 2009 Sep 25;2 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S1.
- Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Collins SS. Prevalence of large endoparasites at necropsy in horses infected with Population B small strongyles in a herd established in Kentucky in 1966. Parasitol Res 2006 Jul;99(2):114-8.
- Christie JL, Hewson CJ, Riley CB, Mcniven MA, Dohoo IR, Bate LA. Demographics, management, and welfare of nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island. Can Vet J 2004 Dec;45(12):1004-11.
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- Rabei ȘO, Cârstolovean AS, Culda CA, Mihalca AD. Gasterophilus in horses from Romania: diversity, prevalence, seasonal dynamics, and distribution. Parasitol Res 2024 Dec 23;123(12):416.
- Northcote HM, Wititkornkul B, Cutress DJ, Allen ND, Brophy PM, Wonfor RE, Morphew RM. A dominance of Mu class glutathione transferases within the equine tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata. Parasitology 2024 Mar;151(3):282-294.
- Matthews JB, Peczak N, Lightbody KL. The Use of Innovative Diagnostics to Inform Sustainable Control of Equine Helminth Infections. Pathogens 2023 Oct 11;12(10).
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