Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses Reared in Katsina Metropolis

Abstract

Equines are animals of strength and might but the effects of Gastro intestinal parasites can greatly limit their activities. Apparently, horses can harbour over half a million gastrointestinal parasites which may include protozoans, trematodes, cestodes and nematodes. This study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites affecting horses reared within Katsina metropolis using coprological methods. Between the months of May and August, 2024, fresh faecal samples were collected from 135 horses within Katsina metropolis (Northern Nigeria), and analysed using the floatation techniques to detect faecal parasitic forms (eggs, oocysts) and larvae. Strongylus vulgaris was the most prevalent helminth (61.3%), followed by Oxyris equi (33.2%), then Anoplocephala spp (10.3%). Among the protozoans, Eimeria spp. (64.3 %) was more frequent, followed by Fasciola spp. (29.9 %). This study demonstrates that horses in Katsina are commonly affected by mixed infections, with Strongylus vulgaris being the most prevalent species. From the results obtained, a significant difference (P value = < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of all the gastrointestinal parasites examined between the body conditions. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of P. equorum with the sex of horses (P value = <0.05). From the findings of the present study, proper screening and monitoring of the horses should be carried out regularly, and regular and strategic deworming programmes should be carried out, as some of these parasites can be transmitted to other domestic animals, which could bring about great economic loss to society.