Oxyuris equi
Category:
Species:
Ectoparasite
Description:
Pinworms (Oxyuris equi) are an annoying but not life threatening parasite of the
horse. Visual evidence of this parasite is seen when infected horses continually rub their
backsides against fence posts or other solid structures for relief. The female worm lives
in the large intestine and rectum area and
lays eggs in the skin of the perineal
region, which can cause pruritus
associated with this infection. The visual
irritation of the horse observed by the
owner makes this an important parasite.
Dewormers that fail to control this
parasite are obvious because owners
consider continual rubbing by the horse a
failed treatment.
Pictures: