Transmission of endoparasites in horse foals born on the same pasture on a farm in central Kentucky (1996-1999)

Vet Parasitol. 2001 May 22;97(2):113-21. doi: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00393-4.

Abstract

Research carried out during the last 4 years (1996-1999) of an 11-year study of the prevalence of internal parasites naturally transmitted to horse foals born on the same pasture on a farm in central Kentucky is presented here. Horses in this herd were not treated with any antiparasitic compound for over 20 years except for a replacement stallion in 1994. A total of 22 species, including 12 species of small strongyles, were recovered in the 4-year period. Transmission patterns of all species (n=35) of endoparasites recovered are compared for the 11-year study. Some of the changes were an increase in number of Thelazia lacrymalis and Anoplocephala perfoliata and a decrease in Gasterophilus intestinalis, Parascaris equorum, and Strongylus vulgaris. Clinical problems associated with parasitism were not observed in any of the 92 foals in the long-term investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascaridia / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horse Diseases / transmission*
  • Horses
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / veterinary
  • Insecta
  • Kentucky / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Nematoda / isolation & purification
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / epidemiology
  • Parasitic Diseases, Animal / transmission*
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Strongylus / isolation & purification
  • Thelazioidea / isolation & purification