The separation and identification of parasite eggs from horse feces

Freely grazing horses are at risk of infection by parasites such as Parascaris equorum (roundworm), Strongylus spp. (large bloodworms), Cyathostomes (small bloodworms), and Anoplochephala perfoliata (tapeworms). Mixed infections are common and diagnosis is based on demonstrations of eggs in feces followed by identification of larvae after fecal culture. Drug resistance is a growing problem, not least because treatments tend to be cheaper than diagnosis and “just in case” treatments common. There is a need for improved methods that are easy to use, rapid and cheap. Furthermore, a successful approach may find use with other livestock such as ruminants and pigs