Epidemiology of infection by anoplocephalides in horses of Santa Maria's Jockey Club - RS

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anoplocephalide eggs in housed horses at the Santa Maria Jockey Club. Stool samples from 66 animals were obtained from august to november 2006. Anoplocephalide presence was investigated by using the modified method of sedimentation Dennis, Stone and Swanson. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the criteria adopted by the animal caretakers in order to choose the antiparasitic drug to be used. The anoplocephalides were detected in 100% of the animals. These results demonstrate that parasite prevalence was high due of improper treatments, including incorrect choice and application of the drug. In general, these factors are linked because the animal treatment is determined by the animal caretaker and not by the veterinarian, leading to serious infection by the presence of these agents.