Detection of microfilaria infection in horses in Mosul city

Abstract

The study was performed on 78 horses in Mosul city were examined from April 2007 to September 2009 for the detection of microfilaria in the blood Twenty five clinically normal animals served as control. The percentage of the infection with microfilaria of Setaria spp was 30. 76% they were sheathed, measuring 204-228 μm within a mean of 218. 4 μm in length and 4. 5-4. 8 mμ within a mean of 4. 62 μm in width. A high percentage of infection was reported in females 54. 28%) with significant differences from that of males. No significant differences were noticed between the healthy and these showing some clinical sings or between these treated with ivermectin or non treated. Haematological changes indicated decrease in level of hemoglobin concentration packed cell volume whereas there was significant increase (P≤0. 05) in total leukocytes count, anemia was macrocytic hypochromic type.