First serological study of equine hydatidosis in Iran

Hydatidosis, is an important worldwide zoonotic disease caused by larval stages (metacestodes) of tapeworm parasites of the genus Echinococcus. The objective of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of equine hydatidosis in Iran by latex agglutination test. This study also served to correlate sex and age with mentioned results in cases. Therefore, 193 serum samples were collected from clinically healthy horses at 9 race clubs in Kerman, Yazd and Golestan provinces, Iran. According to the results, antibodies against hydatidosis were detected in 6 sera (3.11 %) among 193 samples. Results showed two male and four female horses were sero-positive against hydatidosis. In conclusion, present study shows that antibodies against hydatidosis have been detected in Iran equine population. Therefore, it seems that Iranian horse clubs should improve their management and health levels to increase their proficiencies.