Equine Parasites Flashcards
What is the aim of a parasite control strategy?
To reduce transmission of the parasite thus preventing high levels of parasite infection, therefore reducing the incidence of disease
Which helminths can infect horses?
Nematodes:
- Cyathostominae
- Strongylus spp (eg Strongylus vulgaris)
- Parascaris equorum
- Oxyuris equi (pinworm)
Cestodes
-Anoplocephala perfoliata (tapeworm)
Trematodes (flukes)
-Fasciola hepatica
What % of horses are responsible for the majority of cyathostomin eggs in a group?
20% if animals are responsible for shedding 80% of eggs
Parascaris equorum typically affects which age of horse?
Younger horses
Give some clinical signs of Parascaris equorum
- Unthriftiness, resp signs
- Impaction -> SI rupture
How would you diagnose Parascaris equorum?
Spherical, thick-shelled eggs in faeces
How can you control pinworm (oxyuris equi)?
- Anthelmintics
- Washing of peri-anal region
- Environment requires power-cleaning
How do you diagnose oxyuris equi?
- Adults in faeces
- Eggs in peri-anal region
How do you diagnose tapeworms?
- FEC- centrifugation flotation
- ELISA
- EquiSal (saliva-based test using same antigen as ELISA)
How can you practice good pasture management?
- Picking up faeces (twice weekly)
- Rotating grazing
- Co-grazing with ruminants
What is ERP?
Egg reappearance period (affects interval of treatment)
Parascaris equorum is resistant to which anthelmintic?
Ivermectin
What is the difference between interval, strategic and targeted dosing?
- Interval: treat at regular intervals based on egg reappearance period
- Strategic: treat specifically based on epidemiology
- Targeted: treat at specific times based on epidemiology; all horses have FEC +/- tapeworm ELISA performed prior to dosing
Which drugs can you use to treat small strongyles?
Adulticides: Pyrantel, ivermectin, moxidectin
Larvicidal: Moxidectin
Which drugs can you use to treat large strongyles?
Adulticides: benzimidazoles, pyrantel, Ivermectin, moxidectin
Larvicidal: ivermectin, moxidectin
