Current status of parasites affecting gastrointestinal tract of horses and donkeys in Alexandria governorate, Egypt | ||
| Egyptian Veterinary Medical Society of Parasitology Journal (EVMSPJ) | ||
| Volume 20, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 144-161 PDF (710.82 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/evmspj.2024.414950 | ||
| Author | ||
| Sherif K. Elshanat | ||
| Departement of Parasitology,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Alexandria University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Gastrointestinal parasites continue to be one of the principal illnesses that have a detrimental effect on the equine globally, particularly in developing nations. Hence, it results in significant financial losses. Added to that, there is a dearth of knowledge about gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in Equine in Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of GI parasites in horses and donkeys in Alexandria governorate and correlating it to the risk variables that influence its prevalence. Two hundred fecal samples were randomly selected from working horses and donkeys in the Alexandria governorate between March 2023 till February 2024, with 100 samples each from horses and donkeys. To detect the various parasitic stages (eggs, oocysts, cysts, larvae, and even segments of the parasite), the traditional concentration, floatation, and sedimentation procedures as well as direct fecal smear were carried out. The overall prevalence of GI parasites was 46% (92 out of 200) with 22% (22 out of 100) and 70% (70 out of 100) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Strongylus spp. had the highest prevalence (23%) followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (16%), Parascaris equorum (6%), Cyathostomins spp. (6%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (6%), and Eimeria spp. (6%). While the least frequent parasites were Strongyloides spp. (5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (3%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (2%). The overall prevalence of GI parasites was significantly correlated with the host species (P<0001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant variation in the distribution of the parasite genera within the host species (P<0.05). In horses, the prevalence of GI parasites was found to be significantly correlated with age (P=0.0281). However, there was no correlation found between the presence of parasites and the gender of the horses (P=0.0637). The incidence of GI parasites in donkeys has been demonstrated to be significantly influenced by age and sex (P=0.0317) and (P=0.0002), respectively. The impact of the weather conditions was significantly affected the incidence of GI parasites in donkeys (P=0.0193). The investigation's results demonstrated the existence of smooth, white, and decorticated eggs of Parascaris equorum that are devoid of mamillated albuminous layers. Additionally, fecal samples from horses and donkeys have been repeatedly contaminated with sheep-infecting Eimeria intricata oocysts. The current study shed light on the higher prevalence of GI parasites in equids in Egypt. In conclusion, the study urges the reconsideration of the national surveillance strategies to establish effective veterinary management in this ignored sector of livestock. It is also recommended to adopt a consistent and planned antiparasitic regimen. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| equine; risk gastrointestinal parasites; Egypt factors; prevalence | ||
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