Prevalence of intestinal helminths of horses in Sokoto

Abstract

Faecal samples collected from fifty-four stallions, in eleven randomly selected horse stables within Sokoto metropolis were analysed using the direct faecal smear, flotation method and modified McMaster techniques. The helminth ova identified were those of Ascaris sp, Strongylus sp, Strongyloide sp, Panaplocephala sp, Dictyocaulus sp, and Gastrodiscus sp. 84.4% of the samples examined were positive, out of which Strongylus sp. Ova had the highest (75.5%). Eggs of Oxyuris sp were not seen. This study of horses in Sokoto metropolis is aimed at having an insight into the most prevalent gastrointestinal helminthes and recommendations were made towards improving the health and management of horses.

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 191-193