Parasites of Horses, Donkeys and Mules in Turkey

Significant numbers of parasites such as protozoa, helminths and arthropods infest equids. Various investigations have been conducted in Turkey to detect these parasites. In this review, all parasites reported in horses, donkeys and mules have been listed. A total of 62, 52 and 21 helminths were recorded in horses, donkeys and mules, respectively. As protozoan parasites, 13 species were detected both in horses and donkeys, and 3 in mules. With regard to arthropods, 40, 23 and 6 species were detected in horses, donkeys and mules, respectively. In the recent years, various molecular diagnostic methods have been developed and especially applied to the protozoan research area. Classical diagnostic methods were incapable of detecting certain protozoan parasites. Such protozoan parasites can be detected at the nucleic acid level with these new techniques. During the last quadranscentennial, a reduction has been recorded in the total number of equids in Turkey, whereby the breeding of sport horses is becoming an important issue. Thus, this review summarises the published research papers in Turkey in order to raise awareness among the animal owners and veterinarians in terms of the prevention of potential hazards resulting from parasitic infections/infestations in equids.