Volume 28, No. (3), 2018 (June)
PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES IN EQUINES OF BAJAUR AND MOHMAND AGENCIES, NORTH-WEST PAKISTAN
H. Ali , I. Tauseef , S. K. Haleem , I. Ullah , A.B. Shah , M. N. K. Khattak , S. Mahmood , M. F. Khan , A. Rashid, A.U. Rehman
H. Ali, I. Tauseef, S. K. Haleem, I. Ullah, A.B. Shah, M. N. K. Khattak, S. Mahmood, M. F. Khan, A. Rashid, A.U. Rehman 1 23
1 Department of Zoology, Department of Microbiology, Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra-21300,
Published Online First:
June 01, 2018
Publication Date:
June 01, 2018
ABSTRACT
An epidemiological study was performed with the aim to elucidate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in equines of Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies in North-Western Pakistan from September 2013 to May 2014. The fecal samples from one thousand equines, comprising horses (n=83), donkeys (n=715) , and mules (n=202) were collected and processed for identification of nematode parasites using floatation and sedimentation methods. Results revealed that 72% samples were positive for certain nematode parasites. Overall, 43.74% of the positive samples had mixed infection. The predominant nematode species identified included Trichostrongylous axei ( 19.81%), Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (13.62%), Strongylous spp.( 1 1.14%), Parascaris equorum (7.57%), Cyathostoma spp. (3.85%), Delofondia vulgaris ( 0.14%) and Strongyloides westeri (0.14%). Significantly higher prevalence of nematodes was observed in equines of Bajaur than in the Mohmand Agency (81.2% vs. 64.2%, p<0.0001) . Similarly, the highest prevalence of nematodes was recorded from donkeys followed by mules and horses (77.8%>66.3%>44.6%). In summary, prevalence of equines nematodes showed significant variation (p<0.05) with respect to parameters like geography, hosts species, gende,rand health condition; however, the difference in prevalence of nematodes between young and adult equines was not significant ( p>0.05). In addition to its significance in the control and management of the pathological conditions of equines in the area, this study would provide a baseline for future research in the field. control measures and treatment (Lashari and Tasawar,
Keywords:
Equines, Helminthes, Nematodes, Bajaur Agency, Mohmand Agency, Pakistan.