Evaluation of Strategies to Reduce Equine Strongyle Infective Larvae on Pasture and Study of Larval Migration and Overwintering in a Nordic Climate

• Simple Summary All grazing horses are exposed to parasites that when ingested have the potential to cause disease. Drugs designed to kill parasites in horses have been used extensively since the 1960s, but this intensive use has led to the development of drug resistance, emphasising the need for more sustainable methods to lessen parasite burdens. The efficacy and suitability of pasture-management methods aiming to reduce the level of parasitic larvae in the herbage are, however, dependent on the prevailing weather conditions. The aim of the present study was therefore to generate data on the effect of regular faecal removal and harrowing of the pasture on reducing the number of parasites in herbage in a Nordic climate. Furthermore, the ability of parasite larvae to migrate from faeces to the herbage and to survive the winter season in Sweden's cold temperate climate was investigated. Twice-weekly faecal removal significantly reduced the number of larvae on the pasture, whereas harrowing on a single occasion in the summer under dry weather conditions did not. Parasite larvae migrated as far as 150 cm from faecal pats and were able to survive one winter season, with two years of rest from grazing horses required to achieve parasite-free pasture. Horses, as grazing animals, are inadvertently exposed to intestinal parasites that, if not controlled, may cause disease. However, the indiscriminate use of anthelmintic drugs has led to drug resistance, highlighting the need for pasture-management practices to reduce the level of parasitic exposure and lessen reliance on drugs. The efficacy of such methods depends both on the epidemiology of the parasites and the prevailing weather conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of faecal removal and harrowing on reducing the number of parasite larvae in herbage. Moreover, the migratory and survival ability of strongyle larvae in a Nordic climate was studied. Faeces from horses naturally infected with strongyle nematodes were used to contaminate pastures and grass samples were collected to harvest larvae. Twice-weekly faecal removal significantly reduced larval yields, whereas harrowing on a single occasion under dry weather conditions in the summer did not. Strongyle larvae were able to migrate 150 cm from the faecal pats, but most larvae were found within 50 cm. Both Cyathostominae and S. vulgaris survived the winter months with larvae harvested up to 17-18 months after faecal placement. Resting of pastures for one year greatly reduced the parasite level, but two years of rest were required for parasite-free pasture.

Subject headings

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Veterinärmedicin -- Klinisk vetenskap (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Veterinary Science -- Clinical Science (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)