Parasite prevalence among equidae in the backland of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal and lung parasites in equidae reared in the backland of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil and also evaluate the influence of equidae species, rearing system, age group, and anthelmintic administration schedule the infection level. 185 fecal samples were randomly collected in cities in the backland of Pernambuco. After collection, the material was submitted to a qualitative coproparasitological analyses and number of eggs and larvae of parasites. The horses were found to have lower EPG count than the donkeys. Regarding the rearing system, equidae reared in pasture had higher EPG counts than those confined in pens. Moreover, foals under one year old have lower EPG count than those between one and two years old. No difference was found in EPG count among de equidae that received anthelmintic at different frequencies, while the horses and donkeys had a higher amount of Cyathostominae than of other nematodes researched. It is concluded that, in the backland of Pernambuco, most equidae had light to moderate parasite loads, with a predominance of the Cyathostominae e Strongylinae subfamilies, with no horses, donkeys, or mules infected by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi. In addition, the donkeys had higher parasite loads than the horses and the extensive grazing system presents a greater risk of infections by nematodes.