Abstract

Aim and Background: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July and August 2024 to identify and determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in sport horses raised at the Cercle Hippique de Lubumbashi (CHL), one month prior to their participation in the annual international equestrian competition hosted at the facility.
Methods: Flotation and sedimentation techniques were employed to detect parasites in faecal samples. All 59 horses (35 geldings and 24 non-pregnant mares) at the centre were included in the study.
Results: Overall prevalence was 38.98%, with 42.9% recorded in geldings and 33.3% in mares. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (p = 0.64185). The identified parasites were Parascaris equorum, with the highest prevalence (37.3%), followed by Oxyuris equi (1.7%) and Anoplocephala spp. (1.7%). The prevalence of P. equorum was significantly higher than that of the other parasites (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, the relatively low level of helminthic parasitism at the CHL results from several factors, notably adherence to hygiene measures and regular deworming practices. The scarcity of research on equine endoparasites in Lubumbashi underscores the relevance and timeliness of this study.

Key words: Prevalence, Gastrointestinal helminths, horse, Cercle Hippique de Lubumbashi