Prevalence of Parasitic Infections on Hematological Indices of Horses in the Gombe Royal Houses

Abstract

The prevalence and effects of parasitic infections on hematological indices of horses in royal house of Gombe was studied. A total of 150 male horses were used for the study (January to March, 2017). Blood, feces and skin scrapings were collected from each horse and examined using various standard laboratory procedures. The coprological results showed that Ascaris accounted for 10% (15), flatworms (fasciola) 4% (6) and hookworms 4.6% (7). The skin scrapings, Mange accounted for 4 (2.6%), and ticks 8 (5.3%) while hemoparasitological analysis showed that Babesia accounted for 5 (3.33%). The blood indices showed that horses infected by parasites have significantly (p<0.05) lower RBC PCV, HB, and platelets compared to non infected horses while the WBC values increased significantly (p<0.05) due to immune-cellular response to the parasitic infection. The findings showed that parasitism is a problem in the stables examined and calls for proper stable hygiene, improved management practice, regular and strategic parasite monitoring and deworming programmes in order to achieve improved health and performance.