EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON PARASITE INFECTIONS IN HORSES FROM DIFFERENT TYPES OF EQUINE ESTABLISHMENTS, ROMANIA

Abstract

Horses are hosts to a variety of internal parasites which represent a significant threat to their health. Parasitic infections in horses are often associated with reduced performance and physical condition, to serious pathological conditions such as colic, severe diarrhoea, and even death. An epidemiological study was undertaken in order to investigate the prevalence and abundance of parasite infections in horses (n=233) raised in different types of equine establishments in Romania, such as stud farms (n=87), recreational unit (n=25), and working horses (n=121). For this, individual fresh faecal samples were collected and further examined for helminth eggs and protozoa oocysts using qualitative and quantitative copro-parasitological methods. Overall, 88.4% of the horses raised in stud farms and recreational units and 79.3% of the working horses were positive for strongyles, the most prevalent parasite infection. Other parasite species identified were Parascaris equorum (prevalences of 13.4% and 14.9%, respectively) and Eimeria leuckarti (12.5% and 13.5%, respectively); Anoplocephala spp. infection was found only in working horses (6.6%). The quantitative faecal examination for strongyle egg count showed higher individual egg output (EPG up to 5350) and higher percentage of horses (54.5%) from collective units as intense strongyle egg shedders (EPG>1000) comparing with working horses (32.3%). These results emphasized that strongyle infections are widespread in Romanian horses, with prevalence influenced by the age of animals and the management grazing practices. Higher parasite contamination pressure was registered for horses sharing pastures and grazing areas. These results will help to develop sustainable control program in Romanian horses.