EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PREVALENCE AND ROLE OF RISK FACTORS IN THE MAJOR GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN THE WORKING EQUINES

A study was conducted in 2015 to assess prevalence of common gastrointestinal parasites in 186 working horses and donkeys in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Peshawar Districts of Pakistan. Fresh faecal samples were collected from the ground and examined for gastrointestinal worms using McMaster Technique. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was non-significant higher in Peshawar (95%) followed by Gujranwala (85.7%), Lahore (84.3 %) and Multan (51.3%) respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence of parascaris equourum among the four districts whereas no significant difference was observed in strongyle and oxyuris equi infection among the four districts. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in strongylus spp and Parascaris equourum between horses and donkeys. Donkeys have significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence (92.8%) of GIT parasitic infection than horses (78.3%). Among age groups, younger animals (1-5 years) have the highest significant prevalence 93.7% followed by 76% and 84.6% for 10-15 and 15 -20 years old animals respectively. It is concluded that working equine in Pakistan has highest gastrointestinal parasitic load of Strongylus spp and Parascaris equorum. Raising awareness regarding gastrointestinal parasites and improved management practices are recommended to control GIT parasites. Key Words: Working equine, Prevalence, Parasites.