Authors

Discussion

Background: Zoonotic parasitic diseases are transmitted from animal to human is of concern to the health of the public. An example of those animals' are horses and donkeys which are used extensively in Gaza Strip especially for vegetables consumed by the people. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horses and donkeys in Gaza Strip.

Methods: A total of 301 stool samples were collected from horses and donkeys. The observed parasites were isolated washed, identified, photographed and classified according parasitology standard methods.

Results: The present study included 150 horse (49.8%) and 151 donkeys (50.2%). The general prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be (20.9%). Strongylus edentates (1.6%), Cyathostoma spp., (14.3), Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (7.9%), Strongylus equinus (1.6%), strongylus vulgaris (1.6%), Trichostrongylus axei (1.6%).

Conclusions: Different types of gastrointestinal parasites were found in both horses and donkeys. This emphasis the importance of zoonotic parasitic diseases.  

Key words: Horses, donkeys, intestinal parasites, Gaza, prevalence