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Farm size and biosecurity measures associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in horses
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  • Ylva Hedberg Alm,
  • Eva Tyden,
  • Frida Martin,
  • Jessica Lernå,
  • Peter Halvarsson
Ylva Hedberg Alm
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet

Corresponding Author:ylva.hedberg.alm@slu.se

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Eva Tyden
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
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Frida Martin
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
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Jessica Lernå
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
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Peter Halvarsson
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
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Abstract

Background: Selective anthelmintic treatment, advocated due to evolving anthelmintic resistance, has been associated with an increase in Strongylus vulgaris prevalence. Reverting to routine interval anthelmintic treatments is not viable and therefore, identifying other management factors correlated with S. vulgaris infection is vital. Objectives: To investigate possible risk factors associated with the presence of S. vulgaris infection in residing horses on Swedish horse establishments. Study design: Internet-based questionnaire survey. Methods: A questionnaire, created using the internet-based survey platform Netigate, was distributed to owners of equine establishments throughout Sweden via established equine platforms and social media channels. The survey was available for response from May 21 until September 1 2022. Questions were closed ended with branching logic paths. Results: Four factors were significantly associated with S. vulgaris infection, with an increased odds of infection seen in livery yards (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.18-2.36, p = 0.004) and premises with more than ten residing horses (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.64-3.56, p < 0.001). A lower odds of infection was seen in establishments using quarantine routines (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96, p = 0.03) and anthelmintic treatment of new horses prior to arrival at the premise (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.74, p = 0.005). Main limitation: Due to the presence of S. vulgaris infection in the present study being based on S. vulgaris diagnostics performed at the farm level, any association between faecal diagnostic use and risk of infection could not be investigated. Conclusions: Although the use of diagnostics for S. vulgaris can keep infection rates low, large farms or livery yards with many different horse owners, and those with low use of biosecurity measures as regards to new horses arriving at the premise, are associated with a higher risk of infection.
Submitted to Equine Veterinary Journal
11 Mar 2024Submission Checks Completed
11 Mar 2024Assigned to Editor
11 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Jun 20241st Revision Received
12 Jun 2024Submission Checks Completed
12 Jun 2024Assigned to Editor
13 Jun 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Jul 2024Editorial Decision: Accept