PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN HORSES IN LUXOR, EGYPT

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites have a direct effect on the health of equines. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and significance of gastrointestinal parasites of naturally infected horses in Luxor Governorate, Egypt. A total of 100 horse fecal samples were collected during the period from March-2020 to February – 2021 from different ages, sexes and stables. All of these samples were examined by different fecal examination techniques including (direct wet mount, sedimentation and flotation techniques). The present study investigate that the total prevalence of infected horses was 15%. There is a relationship between the GIT infection and the age of the horse. The highest percent of infection was recorded by Strongylus vulgaris 9 % followed by Parascaris equorum 5%, while the percent of infection by Balantidium coli was 1% in infected horses. It consequence that horses are highly susceptible to Strongylus irrespective of gender and age or even deworming. Control measures should be put in consideration to totally overcome the parasitic infection.