Equine Science & Technology Equine Parasites

Equine Parasites Common Internal Parasites In North America, horses are affected by more than 80 internal parasites, which inhabit nearly every organ. Parasites are so widespread that no horse escapes all of them. Strongyles, ascarids, and bots are generally the most injurious of all internal parasites.

Equine Parasites Ascarids (Large Roundworms) Found in the small intestines of equines. Especially affect foals and young animals. Are damaging to the liver and lungs of the horses. Ascarid eggs pass to the outside with the feces. May cause ruptured intestines, lung damage, impaired growth, rough hair coats, etc.

Equine Parasites Bots Highly specialized parasites in their larval stage that attack horses, mules, and zebras. There are three species of horse Bot flies: Nit fly, Throat bot, and the Nose bot. Eggs are attached to the hairs of the host. Eggs usually hatch within two to seven days, and the young larvae soon enter the horse’s mouth.

Equine Parasites Bots Larvae pass to the stomach and intestines. Even though the bot fly does not sting the animal, horses may toss their heads in the air, strike the ground with their front feet, and rub their noses on any convenient object. May cause digestive upset, colic, lowered vitality, and reduced work output.

Equine Parasites Pinworms (Rectal Worms) Pinworms are widely distributed in horses throughout the United States. Horses become infected by swallowing the eggs with feed or water. The worms mature in the large intestine, principally in the dorsal colon. Evidence of the pinworms may be seen in the feces. Symptoms include irritation of the anus and tail rubbing.

Equine Parasites Stomach Worms Stomach worms consist of a group of different kinds of parasitic worms responsible for inflammation in the stomach or a condition known as stomach sores. The mature worms in the stomach lay many eggs.

Equine Parasites Stomach Worms Horses become infected after swallowing infested flies or the larva that escape from the flies. Can lead to intense itching and an inflammatory reaction.

Equine Parasites Strongyles (Large Strongyles, Small Strongyles) The most serious threat to the health and life of the horse. Approximately 40 different species of Strongyle. Found throughout the U.S. wherever horses are pastured. Heavy infestations may result in marked unthriftiness, loss in capacity to perform work, and even death.

Equine Parasites Tapeworms Three different species that affect horses. Anoplocephala perfoliata is the most common and the most damaging of the three. Found in the small intestine or the cecum.

Equine Parasites Common External Parasites Blow fly Principal breeding ground in dead and putrefying flesh. Irritate and destroy the ability of the skin to function. Can be identified by three stripes on the back and a metallic luster.

Equine Parasites Lice A small flattened, wingless insect parasite. Feeds on scales, hair, and skin exudates. Are always more abundant on weak, unthrifty animals. More troublesome during winter. Horse-biting Louse

Equine Parasites Mites Produce a specific contagious disease known as mange (scabies, scab, or itch). Attack members of both the plant and animal kingdom. Injury from mites is caused by irritation and blood sucking, the formation of scabs, and other skin problems.

Equine Parasites Mites Heavy infestation results in a characteristic hairless, scaly appearance.

Equine Parasites Ticks Classified into two groups: hard ticks and the soft ticks. Most are three-host ticks (they utilize three hosts during the life cycle). Massive infestations may cause anemia, loss of weight, and even death.

Equine Parasites Internal Parasite Prevention Separate the animal from its own excrement. Rotate wormers periodically. Keep pastures clean. Isolate and treat newly added horses before allowing them to share pastures, pens, stalls with resident horses.

Equine Parasites Internal Parasite Prevention Take periodic fecal examinations at random. Read and follow all label directions explicitly. If there are any questions … call the veterinarian. Avoid ground feeding.

Equine Parasites External Parasite Prevention Practice good nutrition and grooming. Avoid too heavy concentrations of horses. Select the right insecticide and apply to the animal in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Keep stalls and paddocks clean.

Equine Parasites General Horse Health Management The following health program is recommended for all horses. Feed each horse a nutritious and well-balanced ration. Provide regular dental care and farrier service. Know the signs of ill health and the signs of good health. Have on hand first-aid supplies, and know when and how to use them in case of accident or sudden illness.

Equine Parasites Vaccinate against the most common diseases. General Horse Health Management Vaccinate against the most common diseases. Avoid public feeding and watering facilities. When signs of infectious disease are encountered, promptly isolate affected animals, provide them with separate water and feed containers, and follow the instructions and prescribed treatment of the veterinarians. Prevent and control parasites.

Equine Parasites Basic first-aid care Wounds Although wound treatment will vary according to form and severity, the following steps may be involved. Stop the bleeding. If bleeding is severe pressure may be applied by placing a pad on the wound and bandaging over it. Clean the wound by washing it with cotton swabs soaked in warm saline salt solution. Remove all foreign material (objects and dirt) hair, and torn tissue.

Equine Parasites Wounds Clip or shave long hair. (It is often best not to remove short hair, because of the damage of contamination) from around the wound to a distance of about ½ in. Apply first-aid powder according to the directions on the label. Suture incised and lacerated wounds if necessary, with the decision being left to, and the work done by a veterinarian. Proper wound drainage should always be established.

Equine Parasites Wounds Protect against tetanus by administering a tetanus antitoxin if the animal is not already on a toxoid program, or a toxoid booster if the horse has been immunized previously with the product. Also, the veterinarian may inject an antibiotic. Switch from powder to salve. As soon as a scab has formed over the wound, switch from first-aid powder to first-aid salve. Continue to keep wound clean.

Equine Parasites Bruises and Swellings Stop the hemorrhage with cold applications together with firm, even pressure. Use cold water showers and cold water bandages until the swelling stops. Apply heat or liniment after the swelling has stopped.

Equine Parasites Colic Walk the horse slowly and quietly by leading. Keep the animal from rolling. Call your veterinarian for further instructions.

Equine Parasites Founder (Laminitis) Treatment should be considered an emergency. Pending the arrival of the veterinarian, the horse should be provided with support to the feet in the form of sand or a well bedded stall. Anti-inflammatory agents such as phenylbutazone are often recommended.

Equine Parasites Common Disinfectants A disinfectant is a bacterial or microbial agent that frees from infection (usually a chemical agent that destroys disease germs or other microorganisms or that inactivates viruses).

Equine Parasites Alcohol Used primarily for skin disinfectant and for emergency purposes on instruments. 70% alcohol- the content usually found in rubbing alcohol. Too costly for general disinfection, ineffective against bacterial spores.

Equine Parasites Chlorines Kills all kinds of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, providing the concentration is sufficiently high. Are corrosive to metals and neutralized by organic materials. Not effective against TB organisms and spores.

Equine Parasites Iodine Extensively used as skin disinfectant for minor cuts and bruises. Generally used as tincture of iodine, either 2% or 7%. Never cover with a bandage. Clean skin before applying iodine.

Equine Parasites Soap Soap’s power to kill germs is very limited. Greatest usefulness is in cleansing and dissolving coatings from various surfaces, including the skin, prior to application of a good disinfectant. Staphylococci and organisms that cause diarrheal disease are resistant.