Equine Cyathostominae can develop to infective third-stage larvae on straw bedding

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Equine Health
• Animal Husbandry

Background:

• Deep litter bedding systems are common for housed horses and donkeys.
• It is widely assumed these systems eliminate nematode infection risk compared to pasture grazing.
• This study investigates potential cyathostomine infections from straw bedding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if equids can become infected with cyathostomines by ingesting deep litter straw bedding.
• To assess the viability and infectivity of cyathostomine larvae in straw bedding environments.

Main Methods:

• Two herbage plot studies were conducted in controlled incubators simulating straw bedding and grass turf conditions.
• Fecal samples were placed on plots, and larval recovery from straw/grass substrates was performed over 2-3 week periods at 10-20°C.
• 24 straw bedding samples were collected from donkey barns over 8 weeks for larval detection.

Main Results:

• No infective larvae were found in dry straw plots.
• Infective cyathostomine larvae were detected from day 8 in moist straw plots.
• Larvae were found in 18 of 24 barn straw samples, with increasing infectivity over time.

Conclusions:

• Equine cyathostomines can develop into infective larvae on moist straw bedding.
• Ingestion of contaminated straw presents a viable infection route for stabled equids.
• Findings necessitate re-evaluation of parasite control strategies for housed animals, comparing straw bedding to pasture risks.