Fasciola hepatica Infection in Horses in Three Governorates in Northern Egypt: Prevalence and Risk Factors.
Authors: Alshammari Ayed, Gattan Hattan S, Marzok Mohamed, Salem Mohamed, Al-Jabr Omar A, Selim Abdelfattah
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fasciola hepatica in Egyptian Horses Fasciolosis, caused by the trematode *Fasciola hepatica*, represents an under-documented parasitic threat in equine populations despite its prevalence in other mammalian species; this cross-sectional survey addressed the knowledge gap by screening 400 sera samples from horses across three Egyptian governorates using ELISA serology to determine both disease prevalence and associated risk factors. Overall seroprevalence reached 13%, with significantly higher rates in the Nile Delta regions of Qalubia (14.17%) and Gharbia (16.67%), indicating that geographical factors—particularly areas with suitable freshwater snail habitats—create high-risk zones for infection. Mixed-breed horses and stallions carried substantially elevated odds ratios (3.97 and 2.07 respectively), whilst animals aged over 10 years were nearly six times more likely to test seropositive (OR = 5.69); seasonal patterns emerged with autumn presenting heightened risk, and outdoor housing with concurrent snail presence on premises significantly increased infection likelihood. For equine practitioners in endemic regions, these findings underscore the importance of implementing pasture management protocols that control intermediate snail hosts, prioritising anthelmintic strategies for at-risk groups (older, mixed-breed, and male animals), and recognising fasciolosis as a genuine production and welfare concern requiring targeted disease surveillance and prevention programmes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Fasciolosis is present in Egyptian horse populations with notable regional variation; veterinarians in Nile Delta regions should maintain high clinical suspicion, particularly in older mixed-breed stallions
- •Management strategies should include reducing outdoor exposure during autumn months and controlling snail populations in paddocks and water sources to minimize transmission risk
- •Implement herd screening programs using ELISA serology in endemic areas to identify infected animals and guide targeted treatment protocols
Key Findings
- •Overall seroprevalence of F. hepatica in Egyptian horses was 13%, with higher rates in Nile Delta governorates (14.17% in Qalubia, 16.67% in Gharbia)
- •Mixed-breed horses and stallions had significantly higher seropositivity (OR=3.97 and OR=2.07 respectively)
- •Horses over 10 years old showed 5.69-fold higher odds of F. hepatica seropositivity compared to younger animals
- •Outdoor housing, autumn season, and presence of snails were significant risk factors for seropositivity (OR=1.53, 3.80, and 2.72 respectively)