DefinePK

Abstract

During the period between October 2012 and January 2013 (rainy season) individual faecal samples were collected from 105 donkeys of both sexes, aged from two months to >10 years, in Chipinge district, Zimbabwe. The samples were examined by flotation, sedimentation, and Baermann method, and nematode larvae differentiated. Thirty four donkeys were drenched with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg body weight) and a faecal egg count reduction test performed. This study showed that 100 % of examined donkeys were infected with helminth parasites. The overall prevalence of infection was: family Strongylidae (strongyles) - subfamily Strongylinae (large strongyles) 74.3 % and subfamily Cyathostominae (small strongyles) 68.6 %, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi 67.5 %, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus 51.4 %, Parascaris equorum 10.5 %, Oxyuris equi 8.6 % and Strongyloides westeri 1.9 %. The prevalence of helminth infection was highest in youngest animals (<2 years) and the most prevalent helminths were strongyles. Ivermectin was 100 % effective against all nematodes, except for cyathostomins, Triodontophorus spp. and Parascaris equorum in young donkeys. The present study revealed that donkeys in Chipinge district are infected with middle range of mixed helminth parasites, which are not duly considered. Therefore, regular deworming (when worm egg counts reach 200-500 per gram faeces) and management actions were recommended.