Prevalence of Eimeria Leuckarti in Young Horses and Usefulness of Some Coproscopical Methods for Its Detection

Two hundred and seven weaned foals aging 6 to 12 months from small farms in the Lublin region were examined in the years 2005 to 2007. The investigations were carried out using flotation and sedimentary flotation methods, and McMaster’s quantitative method modified by Wetzel. Eimeria leuckarti oocysts were found in 19 (9.18%) of the foals. The horses demonstrated occasionally clinical signs (four horses), and only two foals suffered temporary diarrhoea. The number of oocysts excreted via faeces was generally low and their presence in the faeces was detected irregularly. The sedimentary flotation method was the most effective considering the identification of E. leuckarti invasion.