Coprological investigations on strongyle EPG profiles in working horses and horses residing in stud farms in Romania

Abstract

Nematodes belonging to the group of equine strongyles have a huge impact on equine health, as infection can lead to weight-loss and unthriftiness, disease symptoms dominated by colic and diarrhea, and death in severe cases. A new concept in the control of these parasites is presently addressed, toward to new strategies based on thorough strongyle surveillance and minimal application of anthelmintic treatment. The aim of such approach is to reserve treatments for horses in need for this, and thereby delay further development of resistance. Identification of high egg shedders within the herd is an essential goal. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish strongyle EPG profiles for working horses (n = 142) and horses residing in studs (n = 138) in Romania, based on the strongyle eggs per gram of feces (EPG) counts. All horses aged over 1 year. Fecal samples of 69.01% and 86.23% working horses and horses residing in studs, respectively, were positive for strongyle. Of them, 44.44% of the working horses and 72.5% of horses from studs exceeded the cut-off value of 250 strongyle EPG. This research showed the importance of strongyle EPG profiling for horses as base for further studies in designing and monitoring sustainable control program of equine parasites.