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 (Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 2018)
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, host s 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: journal article; Equines; Helminthes; Nematodes; Bajaur Agency; Mohmand Agency; Pakistan