Identification of gastrointestinal nematodes in working equines of brick makers of Gobernador Virasoro, Corrientes (Argentina)

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasitism is very common in horses in northeastern Argentina, where it is often subclinical, leading to losses in body development and reduced animal performance. The objective of this study was to characterize the population of gastrointestinal nematodes in horses from the town of Gobernador Virasoro, Corrientes, used in the artisanal production of bricks. An observational cross-sectional descriptive study design was used and non-probability convenience sampling was performed. The number of eggs per gram of feces was determined by coprological examinations (modified McMaster technique), and all samples with the presence of gastrointestinal nematode eggs were considered positive. Morphologically, eggs of the order Strongylida were distinguished from eggs of Parascaris equorum and Oxyuris equi and the possible combinations between them. Parasitic genera of the order Strongylida were identified from pool coprocultures, differentiating between large and small strongyles. The results showed that 94.79% of the samples were positive, of which 83.43% corresponded to the order Strongylida only, 10.98% to the combination with eggs of P. equorum and 5.59% to the combination with eggs of O. equi. The highest average number of eggs belonged to the Strongylida order, with 90.55% corresponding to small strongyles. The results of this study suggest that gastrointestinal parasitism is a major problem in the working horse population of Gobernador Virasoro and could have a negative impact on animal health and performance.