Parassitosi del cavallo in Italia ed impatto sulle produzioni

The consumption of horse meat is constantly increasing thanks to its nutritional properties, because the ratio of protein to fat in raw meat makes it an excellent food for human health. This property is related to the animal's protein absorption, which is influenced by several factors, one of which is the presence of helminths in the intestine, especially gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS) and roundworms. The aim of this research is therefore to investigate the importance of these endoparasites as they restrict the growth rate of affected animals, resulting in lower meat quality. This study will also allow epidemiological data to be updated in order to implement better control plans, especially with regard to the prevention of drug resistance. Individual rectal faecal samples collected during routine veterinary examinations were used and the prevalence of nematodes was studied in relation to age, sex, housing conditions, geographical origin and the respective sampling season. Results showed a prevalence of 48% and 92.2% for GIS and of 6.6% and 32.7% for Parascaris spp., for individual horses and farms examined, respectively. Statistically significant differences among prevalence rates were found between the different geographic areas of provenance and prevalence was found to be higher in horses reared outdoors compared to those raised indoors. Analysis of data based on sex and season did not show any significant differences. In conclusion, this study highlights that these parasitosis are still widespread in Italy, despite the use of anthelmintics and the application of environmental prophylaxis standards. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to the treatments since they could be implied in the development of drug resistance episodes but also in difficulties in the horse management, leading to a lack of recovery in terms of fattening with a consequent decrease in meat quality.