Gastrointestinal parasites continue to be one of the principal illnesses that
have a detrimental effect on the equine globally, particularly in developing
nations. Hence, it results in significant financial losses. Added to that, there
is a dearth of knowledge about gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in Equine in
Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence
of GI parasites in horses and donkeys in Alexandria governorate and
correlating it to the risk variables that influence its prevalence. Two hundred
fecal samples were randomly selected from working horses and donkeys in
the Alexandria governorate between March 2023 till February 2024, with
100 samples each from horses and donkeys. To detect the various parasitic
stages (eggs, oocysts, cysts, larvae, and even segments of the parasite), the
traditional concentration, floatation, and sedimentation procedures as well
as direct fecal smear were carried out. The overall prevalence of GI parasites
was 46% (92 out of 200) with 22% (22 out of 100) and 70% (70 out of 100)
in horses and donkeys, respectively. Strongylus spp. had the highest
prevalence (23%) followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (16%), Parascaris
equorum (6%), Cyathostomins spp. (6%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (6%),
and Eimeria spp. (6%). While the least frequent parasites were
Strongyloides spp. (5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (3%), followed by
Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (2%). The overall prevalence of GI parasites was
significantly correlated with the host species (P<0001). Moreover, there was
a statistically significant variation in the distribution of the parasite genera
within the host species (P<0.05). In horses, the prevalence of GI parasites
was found to be significantly correlated with age (P=0.0281). However,
there was no correlation found between the presence of parasites and the
gender of the horses (P=0.0637). The incidence of GI parasites in donkeys
has been demonstrated to be significantly influenced by age and sex
(P=0.0317) and (P=0.0002), respectively. The impact of the weather
conditions was significantly affected the incidence of GI parasites in
donkeys (P=0.0193). The investigation's results demonstrated the existence
of smooth, white, and decorticated eggs of Parascaris equorum that are
devoid of mamillated albuminous layers. Additionally, fecal samples from
horses and donkeys have been repeatedly contaminated with sheep-infecting
Eimeria intricata oocysts. The current study shed light on the higher
prevalence of GI parasites in equids in Egypt. In conclusion, the study urges
the reconsideration of the national surveillance strategies to establish
effective veterinary management in this ignored sector of livestock. It is also
recommended to adopt a consistent and planned antiparasitic regimen.