Helminth infections in Italian donkeys: <i>Strongylus vulgaris</i> more common than <i>Dictyocaulus arnfieldi</i>

Abstract Donkeys have been used as working animals for transport and farm activities worldwide. Recently, in European countries, there has an increasing interest donkeys due to their use pets, onotherapy or milk production. During 2014–2016, a countrywide survey was conducted determine prevalence risk factors of principal helminth infections 1775 77 Italian farms. A questionnaire on management parasite control practices filled out each farm. Faecal samples were examined using modified McMaster technique, centrifugation/flotation method sedimentation technique. Pooled coprocultures performed differentiation strongylid eggs. Strongyles the most common parasites detected (84.9%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (6.9%), Oxyuris equi (5.8%), Parascaris spp. (3.6%), Anoplocephala (1.0%), Strongyloides westeri (0.3%). Coprocultures revealed omnipresence cyathostomins (100%), Strongylus vulgaris (31.0%), Poteriostomum (25.0%), Triodontophorus (9.0%), edentatus (7.0%), equinus (5.0%). Logistic regression analysis identified breed, co-pasture with horses, living area, herd size number treatments significantly associated strongyles. Sex, age, area sex, grass, size. The mean anthelmintic treatments/year 1.4; (71.8%) dewormed ivermectin drug. It is important design programs specifically address both D . S donkeys, this especially if co-graze horses.