Prevalence of equine strongyles in horses and donkeys in and around bishoftu, oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract Background : Ethiopia has huge equine population estimates about 2.03 million horses, 7.43 million donkeys and 0.4 million mules. Those animals have multipurpose to server in different sectors such as traction power, carting, recreation, festival packing, riding and transportation. However they are faced for number of challenge make them venerable for different factors. The objective of this research was to estimate the prevalence of horses and donkeys strongyle parasite and evaluating associated risk factors in and around bishoftu. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022. A total of 364 equine were randomly selected from five different peasant associations on targeting area and examined during the study period. Coprological examination with floatation technique of strongyle eggs detected. Result: The overall prevalence of strongyle parasites was found 56.6%. Higher prevalence of strongyle parasites recorded in poor body condition 27.2% and less prevalent 6.9% in good body conditions equines. Among the potential risk factors analyzed, body condition score (p=0.00, p<0.05) of the equineswas associated significantly with strongyle infection while sex, species, age and origins were not significantly associated with the risk of infection with strongyle infection (P>0.05). Significantly higher prevalence of strongyle parasite in donkeys (65.2%) than the horses (54.7%). Conclusions: To conclude finally as the result revealed strongyle parasite found major problem of equine health. Farmers should have to improved housing, welfare awareness, seasonal deworming and feeding management equines.