Parassitosi intestinali nei cavalli del Centro Militare di Equitazione di Montelibretti e del Centro Militare Veterinario di Grosseto

Different species of helminths cause intestinal infections which may potentially compromise health and welfare of horses. The most prevalent are nematodes belonging to the Strongylinae and Cyathostominae subfamilies and Parascaris equorum, and the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata. Hence, knowledge of the diffusion of these parasites is crucial in horse operations for reliable worm control programs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of common horse endoparasites in the Military Riding Operation of Montelibretti and the Army's Veterinary Operation of Grosseto, throughout three different copromicroscopic techniques. Faecal samples from 238 horses were examined and animal details were registered in a questionnaire. The results showed a high presence of Strongylid infections (55%), while other parasites were found with lower prevalence (P. equorum, 2.5%; A. perfoliata, 10.5%). These results demonstrated that all major horse helminthes were present in the examined stables, thus potentially causing relevant diseases. Also, it was showed that the occurrence of different horse parasites should be evaluated with suitable copromicroscopic methods. In fact, a reliable knowledge on the helminth prevalence would allow appropriate effective worm control programs. Such an approach, along with pasture managements, would improve health, welfare and performances of horses kept in these important Military Operations and in horse stables in general.