<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p><italic>Setaria equina</italic> is a common parasitic infection in horses that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The absence of previous reports regarding the presence of <italic>Setaria equina</italic> microfilariae in Nigerian horses highlights the need to confirm its existence in the region. Verifying the existence of this parasite would enhance our overall understanding of its global distribution, which could then inform the development of more effective control measures. This paper reports a case of <italic>Setaria equina</italic> microfilariae infection in an adult Argentine polo pony mare in Nigeria. The recently acquired adult Argentine polo pony mare was exhibiting depression and weight loss. Despite normal vital parameters, the horse had a poor body condition and no history of deworming. Laboratory analyses, including wet blood film examination, complete blood count, and serum biochemistry, revealed the presence of <italic>Setaria equina</italic> microfilariae and macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. Treatment involved a five-day course of intramuscular multivitamin injections and three weeks of subcutaneous ivermectin injections. Follow-up examinations demonstrated the absence of microfilaria and a return to an active and lively state. The case report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and successful treatment of a recently acquired adult Argentine polo pony mare. A consistent deworming regimen is essential for horses, including those recently acquired, to prevent parasitic infections and enhance their overall well-being.</p>
</abstract>

Setaria equina is a common parasitic infection in horses that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The absence of previous reports regarding the presence of Setaria equina microfilariae in Nigerian horses highlights the need to confirm its existence in the region. Verifying the existence of this parasite would enhance our overall understanding of its global distribution, which could then inform the development of more effective control measures. This paper reports a case of Setaria equina microfilariae infection in an adult Argentine polo pony mare in Nigeria. The recently acquired adult Argentine polo pony mare was exhibiting depression and weight loss. Despite normal vital parameters, the horse had a poor body condition and no history of deworming. Laboratory analyses, including wet blood film examination, complete blood count, and serum biochemistry, revealed the presence of Setaria equina microfilariae and macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. Treatment involved a five-day course of intramuscular multivitamin injections and three weeks of subcutaneous ivermectin injections. Follow-up examinations demonstrated the absence of microfilaria and a return to an active and lively state. The case report details the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and successful treatment of a recently acquired adult Argentine polo pony mare. A consistent deworming regimen is essential for horses, including those recently acquired, to prevent parasitic infections and enhance their overall well-being.

First Report of <italic>Setaria equina</italic> Microfilariae Infection in an Adult Argentine Polo Pony Mare in Nigeria: A Case Report

Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Folia Veterinaria

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

First Report of  Microfilariae Infection in an Adult Argentine Polo Pony Mare in Nigeria: A Case Report

Setaria equina is a common parasitic infection in horses that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The absence of previous reports regarding the presence of Setaria...

First Report of Setaria equina Microfilariae Infection in an Adult Argentine Polo Pony Mare in Nigeria: A Case Report

Published Online: Jun 27, 2024

Page range: 10 - 14

Received: Feb 17, 2024

Accepted: Apr 22, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fv-2024-0012

Keywords
Argentine polo pony mare, ivermectin, microfilaria,

© 2024 Olumide O. Akinniyi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

First Report of Setaria equina Microfilariae Infection in an Adult Argentine Polo Pony Mare in Nigeria: A Case Report

Published Online: Jun 27, 2024

Page range: 10 - 14

Received: Feb 17, 2024

Accepted: Apr 22, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fv-2024-0012

KeywordsArgentine polo pony mare, ivermectin, microfilaria,

© 2024 Olumide O. Akinniyi et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Argentine polo pony mare, ivermectin, microfilaria,