Equine parasites in Iran

Over a period of 1 year from 1999 to 2000, fecal and blood samples and external surfaces of 290 racehorses on 20 private horse farms were examined for parasitic infections. The alimentary canal was the only infected organ found. Fecal examination using a flotation method and saturated solution provided an indication of the Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, and strongyle eggs in 13.8%, 17%, and 28.3% of tested samples, respectively. Fecal culture showed that 100% of the strongyle eggs belong to small strongyles. There was a significant relationship among age (P < .001), race (P < .001), and the helminth infections of the examined horses, but no significant relationship with sex (P = .8539).