The epidemiology of equine strongylosis in southern Queensland. 3. Seasonal variation in arterial populations of Strongylus vulgaris, and the prevalence of some helminths.
Abstract: The anterior mesenteric arteries of 138 horses slaughtered in southern Queensland were examined for the presence of S. vulgaris larvae. Seasonal differences were noted in the size of arterial populations of this parasite, with higher mean monthly numbers of worms per horse occurring in winter. There was an equally high incidence of severe verminous arteritis during the winter months of June, July and August, compared to arteries examined during the warmer months, when there were smaller numbers of larvae. It was concluded that more infective larvae were available on pasture during the warmer months, with subsequently large arterial populations some 3 to 4 months later. The parasite was encountered in 121 arteries (88%). The prevalence of adult helminths in the caeca of the same group of horses was S. vulgaris 88%; S. equinus 70%; S. edentatus 18%; Triodontophorus spp. 23%; A. perfoliata 62%. The overall prevalence of S. vulgaris was 93%, when the results of arterial and caecal observations were combined.
Publication Date: 1979-07-01 PubMed ID: 518433DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1979.tb00416.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research focused on a seasonal study of a parasite, Strongylus vulgaris, found in horses in southern Queensland. It found the parasite was more prevalent in winter and was linked to severe disease. It drew a conclusion that warm months had more infective larvae which led to increased infections observed after 3-4 months.
Research Purpose and Method
- The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of the parasite, Strongylus vulgaris, in the anterior mesenteric arteries of horses during different seasons in Southern Queensland.
- 138 horses were slaughtered and examined to determine any presence of the parasite and to note the quantity of worms found in each horse, with particular attention to seasonal variation.
- The study also included a comprehensive examination of adult helminths found in the caecum of the horse.
Findings
- The parasite, S. vulgaris, was found in 121 out of 138 examined arteries, translating to an 88% prevalence rate.
- Notably, more worms were found during the winter months leading to severe verminous arteritis during the colder months of June, July, and August compared to the warmer months.
- The prevalence of adult helminths in the caeca of the same horses varied depending on the species, with S. vulgaris found in 88%, S. equinus in 70%, S. edentatus in 18%, Triodontophorus spp. in 23%, and A. perfoliata in 62%.
Conclusions
- The research concluded that there were more infective S. vulgaris larvae present on pastures during the warmer months, leading to a subsequent large increase in arterial populations approximately 3 to 4 months later, which corresponds to the winter months.
- When combining the results from both arterial and caecal observations, the overall prevalence of S. vulgaris was as high as 93%.
Significance
- The findings of this research are significant as they provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of equine strongylosis, particularly the influence of seasonal changes on the prevalence and severity of the parasite infestation.
- This knowledge is crucial for establishing effective strategies for parasite management and control, particularly taking into consideration the observed seasonal variation.
Cite This Article
APA
English AW.
(1979).
The epidemiology of equine strongylosis in southern Queensland. 3. Seasonal variation in arterial populations of Strongylus vulgaris, and the prevalence of some helminths.
Aust Vet J, 55(7), 310-314.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1979.tb00416.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Australia
- Cecum / parasitology
- Female
- Horses / parasitology
- Male
- Mesenteric Arteries / parasitology
- Seasons
- Sex Ratio
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / epidemiology
- Strongyle Infections, Equine / parasitology
- Strongyloidea / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Saeed MA, Beveridge I, Abbas G, Beasley A, Bauquier J, Wilkes E, Jacobson C, Hughes KJ, El-Hage C, O'Handley R, Hurley J, Cudmore L, Carrigan P, Walter L, Tennent-Brown B, Nielsen MK, Jabbar A. Systematic review of gastrointestinal nematodes of horses from Australia.. Parasit Vectors 2019 Apr 29;12(1):188.
- Studzińska MB, Tomczuk K, Demkowska-Kutrzepa M, Szczepaniak K. The Strongylidae belonging to Strongylus genus in horses from southeastern Poland.. Parasitol Res 2012 Oct;111(4):1417-21.
- Bailey M, Lloyd S, Martin SC, Soulsby EJ. In vitro induction of lymphocyte responsiveness by a Strongylus vulgaris-derived mitogen.. Z Parasitenkd 1984;70(2):229-42.
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