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=Pinworm - [[Oxyuris equi]]=

=Pinworm - ''[[Oxyuris equi]]''=

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

''Oxyuris. equi'', the equine pinworm, is a well known equine parasite with a worldwide distribution. They are commonly called pinworm because of the sharp, tapering tails of the females measuring up to 15 cm long. Adults primarily live in the right dorsal colon but may inhabit the proximal sections of the large intestine if worm burden is high. The characteristic feature of this parasite is that gravid female worms migrate to the anus to deposit their eggs in sticky clumps seen grossly as a yellowish white or light orange gelatinous streak on the skin of the perianal region. Although some mucosal damage caused by the feeding habit of L4 were reported, a more important effect of this parasite is the perianal irritation and anal pruritis caused by the adult females during the egg laying process.

''Oxyuris equi'', the equine pinworm, is a well known equine parasite with a worldwide distribution. They are commonly called pinworm because of the sharp, tapering tails of the females measuring up to 15 cm long. Adults primarily live in the right dorsal colon but may inhabit the proximal sections of the large intestine if worm burden is high. The characteristic feature of this parasite is that gravid female worms migrate to the anus to deposit their eggs in sticky clumps seen grossly as a yellowish white or light orange gelatinous streak on the skin of the perianal region. Although some mucosal damage caused by the feeding habit of L4 were reported, a more important effect of this parasite is the perianal irritation and anal pruritis caused by the adult females during the egg laying process.

Although a well know equine parasite, ''O equi'' received little attention because it was relatively non-pathogenic and could be controlled satisfactorily by routine anthelmintic therapy. However, in recent years, it appeared to exhibit a dramatic change in its biology and anthelmintic susceptibility. This once rare parasite seems to be on the increase in donkeys in the UK.

Although a well know equine parasite, ''O. equi'' received little attention because it was relatively non-pathogenic and could be controlled satisfactorily by routine anthelmintic therapy. However, in recent years, it appeared to exhibit a dramatic change in its biology and anthelmintic susceptibility. This once rare parasite seems to be on the increase in donkeys in the UK.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

* Routine anthelmintic treatment and symptomatic care - see [[Strongyles - Donkey#Treatment|treatment of strongyles]]

* Routine anthelmintic treatment and symptomatic care - see [[Strongyles - Small - Donkey#Treatment|treatment of strongyles]]

Anthelmitics that have demonstrated efficacy against larval and adult ''O. equi'' in horses include ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole and mebendazole. Pyrantel has demonstrated efficacy against adult stages only.  

Anthelmitics that have demonstrated efficacy against larval and adult ''O. equi'' in horses include ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole and mebendazole. Pyrantel has demonstrated efficacy against adult stages only.  

==Control==

==Control==

* Routine [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] programme

Apart from a routine [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] programme the practice of good hygiene to reduce environmental contamination by infective eggs is very important.

* Responds well to most of the common [[Anthelmintic Drugs|anthelmintic]] compounds

The most likely sources of infection and transmission include feeding areas, water dispensers, troughs, stall litter and any communally used rubbing posts. Therefore, any comprehensive approach to combating ''O. equi'' infections must include serious efforts to keep these items and areas as clean as possible. This could be achieved by periodic steam-cleaning and use of strong disinfectants after removal of any bedding.

* Periodic steam-cleaning of stables

==Literature Search==

==Literature Search==