Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Horses Used for Cadets Training in Nigeria

摘要

The present study was carried out to establish the Gastrointestinal Parasites (GIP) profile of horses used for cadets' training at the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Nigeria. A total of forty eight (48) horses made up of 35 males and 13 females were examined regularly between November, 2010 and June, 2011. Fecal samples were collected from sampled horses and processed by flotation and sedimentation techniques. GIP encountered were ciliates (81.3%), Strongylus spp. (68.8%), Oxyuris equi (27.1%), Strongyloides spp. (25%), Dictyocaulus spp. (10.4%) and Parascaris equorum (6.3%). Male horses were significantly more infected than female horses (P<0.05). Similarly, infections were l in older horses aged 17 - 20yrs than in younger horses aged between 5 - 16yrs. There was a significant difference in prevalence of GIP between the Stables examined (P<0.05). Environmental hygiene, use of standard drugs and strategic de-worming of horses to reduce environmental contamination are recommended in order to achieve improved horse health for optimum performance.