Epidemiological study on the prevalence of endoparasites of equines in Albania

Authors

  • Rezart Postoli
  • Avni Robaj
  • Vangjel Ceroni
  • Pëllumb Zalla
  • Egon Andoni
  • Alfred Çaushi

Keywords:

equine, epidemiology, strongyles, blood parasites, serology

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of parasites in equines in Albania, where there is still a considerable number of working equines, particularly the donkeys. A total of 336 (68 horses, 190 donkeys and 78 mules) faecal samples were tested using standard coprological methods. The results showed that an average of about 47.8% of animals used to obtain faecal samples, were infected with one or more parasitic elements. In particular, amongst the examined equines, 60.3% of the horses, 44.2% of the donkeys and 46.2% of the mules were infected. Strongylus spp. was found in 47.3%, Anoplocephala spp. in 3.8%, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi in 7.6% and Parascaris equorum in 1.9% of the animals. Strongyles were significantly more prevalent between October and December compared to the rest of the year. Examination of larval cultures according to geographical distribution, showed that 41%, 43% and 44% of individuals were found positive for small strongyles. A total of 11 (8.9), 15 (16.9) and 19 (15.3) individuals according to above geographical distribution were found infected with Strongylus vulgaris.

Downloads

Published

31-12-2020

How to Cite

Postoli , R., Robaj, . A., Ceroni , V., Zalla , P., Andoni , E., & Çaushi , A. (2020). Epidemiological study on the prevalence of endoparasites of equines in Albania. VETERINARIA, 59(1-4), 37–45. Retrieved from https://veterinaria.unsa.ba/journal/index.php/vfs/article/view/167

Issue

Section

Research Article (peer review)