Investigation and Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Equestrian Clubs Horses in Misurata, Libya

Abstract

Background and Objective: The horse has been a loyal friend and trusted partner of human beings. Horses are prone to infestation with both internal and external parasites. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the gastrointestinal parasite infecting horses in equestrian clubs.  Materials and Method: For the study, faecal samples were obtained from 50 randomly chosen horses of varying sexes and ages and analyzed using sedimentation techniques.  Results: The overall prevalence of egg/larva or cyst in the study area was 98.0% (49/50). Moreover, the mixed infection was higher than that of a single infection; there were significant differences between Protozoa and helminths (P≤0.01). The types of helminth parasites (egg/larva) detected were Anoplocephala spp. (17%), Parascaris equorum (17%), and Moniezia spp (20%) in increasing with the age of horses had a significant effect with ages above one year, moreover, there reported the oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum (33%).  Conclusion: Hence, the present study's findings indicated a high prevalence of parasites compromising horses' health and welfare in the study area. Thus, proper screening and monitoring of the horses should be carried out regularly; regular and strategic anti-parasite programmers should be carried out.