UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Helminth infection is the most common problem that causes economic and health losses, especially in equines. The present study aimed to identify and diagnose specific intestinal helminths that are responsible for causing diarrhea in horses and donkeys. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections in various regions of Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah. Additionally, the study investigated how the age and sex of the animals influenced the occurrence of the disease. The laboratory analysis of feces from 105 equines (84 horses and 21 donkeys) showed that 48 of them were infected with nematodes. Among the infected equines, 30 were horses (35% of the total horses) and 18 were donkeys (85% of the total donkeys). The specific types of nematodes found were Trichostrongylus axei (31% of the infections) and Strongylus spp. (14% of the infection). Overall, the percentage of equines infected with nematodes was 45%. The disparities in infection rates between Trichostrongylus axei and Strongylus spp. were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The incidence of nematode infections was highest (60%) in equines aged 2 and 4 years old, and lowest (38%) in equines aged 6 and 8 years old. The prevalence of nematode infections was greater in female equines (48%) than in male equines (37%). Al-Manadera had the highest prevalence of nematode infection, with approximately 62%, while Al-Diwaniyah (known for its Arabian horses) had the lowest prevalence, at approximately 25%. Statistically, there were significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) between different regions. However, there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in infections based on animal age and sex, as they showed similar percentages of infection. The subclinical impacts of nematodes likely have a pervasive impact on the animal's health and productivity throughout its life. Hence, it is imperative for future research to examine the harmful consequences of nematodes.