Intestinal parasites in Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii): a field survey at the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary

A field survey of Przewalski's horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) in the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed a 100% prevalence of intestinal parasites, with strongyle-type eggs detected in all 79 fecal samples analyzed. The study identified an average of 1287 eggs per gram (EPG), indicating high fecal egg-shedding levels, and found that Cyathostominae were the dominant parasite subfamily, with Strongylus vulgaris being the most prevalent strongylin at 40.5%. Additionally, 27.8% of horses tested positive for Parascaris sp., while 2.5% harbored Oxyuris equi. The research also noted a higher prevalence of Triodontophorus serratus and Poteriostomum spp. in juveniles and observed that horses with S. vulgaris exhibited lower EPG levels. This was the first comprehensive study of intestinal parasites in this population, providing critical insights into their health dynamics within the Pentezug Wildhorse Reserve.

Jota Baptista, C., Sós, E., Szabados, T., Kerekes, V., & Madeira de Carvalho, L. (2021). Intestinal parasites in Przewalski’s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii): a field survey at the Hortobágy National Park, Hungary. Journal of Helminthology, 95. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x21000274