The Effectiveness of Various Brands of the Drugs Fenbendazole and Ivermectin in Treating Horses with Strongyle Nematodes in Holeta, Oromia, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Gastrointestinal parasites have always been a problem, and they are likely to continue to be a long-term issue that threatens the livestock industry. Methods: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of various fenbendazole and ivermectin brands against Strongyle nematodes in naturally infected horses in Holeta, central Ethiopia. A total of 120 horses were divided into three groups at random. Group 1 horses were left untreated (n=12), while group 2 horses were given five different brands of ivermectin (SG-Ivermectin 1%, Tecmectin, Ivertong, ivermectin 1%, and Ivervik 1%), and group 3 horses were given four different brands of fenbendazole (Fenbendazole, Fenacure 750 mg, Hunter 22%, and Fenacure 22%). Fecal samples were collected rectally and parasitologically processed using the modified McMaster method and fecal culture, respectively, to determine egg per gram (EPG) and Strongyle species. The efficacy of these anthelmintics was determined by comparing the EPG before (day 0) and after treatment using a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) (day 14). Results: The results of this study revealed that the efficacy of ivermectin brands was superior to that of fenbendazole brands. Horses treated with Ivervik 1%, Hunter 22%, SG-Ivermectin 1%, Tecmectin, Ivertong, and Fenacure 22% had the highest reduction in fecal egg counts, followed by horses treated with fenbendazole, ivermectin 1%, and Fenacure 750 mg. Conclusion: Based on the results of this field study, it can be concluded that the various brands of ivermectin and fenbendazole are effective against Strongyle spp. and P. equorum in horses.