Investigating the Gasterophilus infections in donkeys around Urmia using the equine endoscopic method

Donkey breeding in the intensive system has been expanding in recent years due to the nutritional benefits of donkey milk. One of the common problems of horses, including donkeys, in intensive systems, is Gasterophilosis, which is often associated with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). L3 larvae of Gastrohilus intestinalis can cause gastric ulcers in donkeys by attaching to margo plicatus. There are also reports of human infection with Gasterophilus spp. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Gasterophilosis and related EGUS in intensive system donkeys. This evaluation was done on 12 donkeys that were bought from different places around Urmia and were kept in Urmia University Veterinary Hospital. Animals were kept in sanitary stables and received alfalfa-based rations. Gastrointestinal endoscopy from throat to pylorus was performed to check for parasitic infections and related ulcers. The animals appeared perfectly healthy during the clinical examination. No parasitic infections such as Gasterophilus adhesions were observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract up to the gastric pylorus. Gastroscopy did not confirm any ulcers above grade 0. After the first endoscopy, ivermectin was prescribed, and three months later, the endoscopy was repeated, and again, no Gasterophilus infection was observed. Breeding donkeys in an intensive system by itself cannot cause Gasterophilosis and EGUS, although dietary adjustment can be helpful in preventing the disease.