Epizootiology of gastrointestinal parasites in equines of Kashmir valley, India

Equine faecal samples from major tourist destinations of Kashmir valley were examined over a period of one year both qualitatively and quantitatively, and were finally subjected to coproculture, to map out the parasitic fauna of equines for the development of effective control strategies. The overall prevalence rate of parasites was found to be 85.11% with 96.77% prevalence rate in donkeys followed by 86.30%, 81.52% and 75.63% in ponies, mules, and horses, respectively. Prevalence of nematode infection was very high followed by very low prevalence rate of trematodes, cestodes and protozoa. Highest infection rate was recorded in spring, followed by summer, autumn and winter. Prevalence was found to be higher in young equines as compared to adult equines and in males than females. The overall mean EPG was found to be 755.20±33.47 with the highest mean EPG recorded in summer followed by spring, autumn and lowest in winter. Higher intensity of infection was recorded in young equines compared to adults and in females in comparison to males. The different strongylid larvae identified on coprocultures were Cyathostomum spp., followed by Triodontophorus spp., Oesophagodontus spp., Trichostrongylus axei, Gyalocephalus spp., Strongylus edentatus, Poteriostomum spp., Strongylus vulgaris, S. equinus and other larvae. Based on the prevalence pattern, it was concluded that deworming of equines in Kashmir valley should be carried out at least two times a year, i.e. mid-spring (April) and mid-autumn (October) to keep the parasitic load under control.