A randomized triple blind trial to assess the effect of an anthelmintic programme for working equids in Morocco.
Authors: Crane Michael A, Khallaayoune Khalid, Scantlebury Claire, Christley Robert M
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Gastro-intestinal parasitism substantially compromises working equine health and productivity across many regions, yet field evidence on treatment efficacy in actual working conditions remains limited. Crane and colleagues conducted a randomized triple-blind trial in Morocco, comparing oral ivermectin and fenbendazole treatment against placebo in working donkeys, mules and horses, measuring changes in body weight, condition score, faecal worm egg counts, and owner-reported health indicators over the treatment period. The anthelmintic programme produced measurable improvements in parasite burden and physical condition in treated animals, with owners reporting enhanced performance and reduced clinical signs of parasitism. These findings provide robust evidence that systematic parasite control translates to tangible gains in body condition and subjective health markers in working equids operating under field conditions, supporting the case for integrated anthelmintic strategies in working populations where nutritional resources are often limited and parasite burdens are highest. For practitioners managing working equids in similar environments, the trial underscores the productivity and welfare benefits of evidence-based parasite control protocols, though individual risk assessment and local resistance patterns should guide specific product selection and dosing intervals.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Regular anthelmintic protocols using ivermectin and fenbendazole are effective for improving body condition and overall health in working equids in resource-limited settings
- •Treatment response can be objectively measured through worm egg count reduction and body weight gain, making it practical to monitor programme effectiveness
- •Parasite control should be a priority in working equid populations as it directly impacts productivity and welfare metrics that owners can observe
Key Findings
- •Anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin and fenbendazole demonstrated efficacy in reducing faecal worm egg counts in working equids
- •Treatment resulted in measurable improvements in body weight and condition score compared to placebo controls
- •Owner-reported subjective health parameters showed improvement in treated animals
- •Triple-blind RCT design in field conditions with working donkeys, mules and horses in Morocco