Studies on Strongylus asini. I. Experimental infestation of equines.

This research paper focuses on the experimental infestation on certain types of equines (donkey, horse, and zebra foals) using Strongylus asini larvae harvested from the eggs of adult S. asini found in a Burchell’s zebra from Kruger National Park. A mule foal, on the other hand, was not successfully infected. The larvae were discovered 117-125 days post-infestation in their 4th moult upon autopsy of the infected animals, evidencing the first successful report of such an experiment.

Introduction and Methodology

• The research study involves the experimental infestation of equines namely zebra, horse, and donkey foals using Strongylus asini. The setup is designed to observe and monitor the effects of infestations on these animals.
• The larvae used for this study were collected from the eggs of adult S. asini recovered from a free-range Burchell’s zebra in the Kruger National Park. These were then harvested and used to experimentally infest the equines. A significant point here is that these Burchell’s zebras represent the natural host of the S. asini.

Results

• The experiment was successful in infesting the zebra, horse, and donkey foals, indicating that these animals are susceptible to S. asini infestations.
• The mule foal, on the other hand, did not get infested demonstrating a certain degree of resistance or immunity to the S. asini.
• Upon slaughter, which occurred 117-125 days post-infestation, the study showed the larvae have undergone their 4th moult found in the liver and portal veins highlighting the life cycle progression of the parasite.

Significance

• This study reports the first successful experimental infestation of these hosts with S. asini, furthering our understanding of the life cycle and possible host range of this parasite.
• Findings will potentially aid in the formulation of better preventive and treatment strategies for Strongylus asini infestation in equines.