PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES IN EQUINES OF BAJAUR AND MOHMAND AGENCIES, NORTH-WEST PAKISTAN
H. Ali1, I. Tauseef2, S. K. Haleem2, I. Ullah3, A.B. Shah1, M. N. K. Khattak1, S. Mahmood1, M. F. Khan1, A. Rashid1 and A.U. Rehman1*
1Department of Zoology, 2Department of Microbiology, 3Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra-21300, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Corresponding Author’s Email: quaidian.rehman@gmail.com
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.(11.14%), 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, gender, and 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.
Key words: Equines, Helminthes, Nematodes, Bajaur Agency, Mohmand Agency, Pakistan.
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