article · Veterinary and Animal Science
A cross-sectional investigation assessed the occurrence, diversity, intensity, and risk factors of internal parasite infections in equines across northwestern Ethiopia using coprological and postmortem examinations. Out of 720 examined equines, 57.1 percent were infected, with Strongyle species and Parascaris species being the most prevalent parasites identified. Postmortem analyses identified diverse internal parasites including respiratory and gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and botfly larvae, with most infections showing low to moderate intensity. Risk analysis revealed that young equines, horses, and animals with poor or medium body condition had significantly higher odds of harbouring infections, while infections were also significantly more common during the wet season compared to the dry season. Animal sex showed no significant link to infection status. These epidemiological findings highlight the widespread burden of parasites and support targeted control efforts focused on vulnerable animals and seasonal peaks.
Equines provide vital working power and transport across rural communities, but parasite burdens directly undermine their health and productivity. By establishing baseline infection rates and identifying major risk factors, such as age and seasonal conditions, this research enables veterinary practitioners and animal health authorities to design targeted deworming interventions that protect working animals when and where they need it most.
This early-stage epidemiological research provides field data that could inform the timing and targeting of veterinary treatments, such as anthelmintic delivery programmes managed by local animal health services or drug distributors. While it does not introduce a specific commercial product or technology, the insights can guide private veterinary practices and pharmaceutical suppliers in developing seasonal therapeutic packages and tailored parasite control regimens for horse and donkey owners.
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Endoparasites remain major constraints on equine health and productivity in Ethiopia; however, epidemiological data from northwestern regions are limited. This study investigated the occurrence, parasite diversity, infection intensity, and risk factors associated with endoparasite infections in equines in northwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using coprological examinations complemented by postmortem inspections. Standard parasitological techniques were employed, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Overall, 411 of 720 equines were infected, giving an overall prevalence of 57.1% (95% CI: 53.5-60.7). Endoparasite infections were common, with Strongyle spp. (23.5%; 95% CI: 20.5-26.7) and Parascaris spp. (10.1%; 95% CI: 8.1-12.7) identified as the predominant parasites. Postmortem examination revealed a diverse range of endoparasites, including gastrointestinal and respiratory nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and botfly larvae. Most infections were of low to moderate intensity. Multivariable analysis showed that species, age, body condition score, and season were significantly associated with infection ( p ≤ 0.05). Young equines were at higher risk compared with older animals (AOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.63-4.80; p < 0.001). Equines with poor (AOR = 9.13; 95% CI: 5.04-16.52) and medium (AOR = 3.84; 95% CI: 2.28-6.46) body condition scores were significantly more likely to be infected than those in good condition ( p < 0.001). Donkeys had a significantly lower likelihood of infection than horses (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.62; p = 0.007), while infection risk was higher during the wet season compared with the dry season (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.93-3.83; p < 0.001). Sex was not significantly associated with infection status. In conclusion, endoparasite infections are widespread among equines in the study area and are strongly influenced by host characteristics and seasonal factors. These findings provide baseline epidemiological evidence to inform targeted parasite control strategies, with priority given to young equines, animals in poor body condition, and wet-season interventions.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100821
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