Frequency Distribution of Equine Diseases in Three Metropolises of the Upper Punjab, Pakistan

We developed an inventory of the diseases of equines prevalent in three districts (Faisalabad, Sargodha and Lahore) of Punjab, Pakistan affecting the equine health and production. Survey was done with the help of Brooke Hospitals for Animals, Pakistan, located at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Participatory epidemiological approach was used to collect information on a pre-designed quesntionnaire from urban and peri-urban areas of the study districts. A total of 450 equines including: 147 horses, 230 donkeys and 73 mules were subjected to clinical examination, blood examination and necropsy for the documentation of diseases/conditions of equines. A total of 53 diseases/conditions were documented in different species of equines in the study area. Internal parasites (32.2%) constituted the major category of ailments followed by wounds (26.9%), bacterial infections (20.4%), lameness (12.9%), miscellaneous (12.7%), gastrointestinal disorders (7.6%), bronchitis/cough (7.3%), allergic dermatitis (7.1%), external parasites (6.2%), colic (5.3%), eye problems (3.1%), hematuria (1.8%) and quidding (1.1%). Horses were most diversely affected (n=47/53) followed by donkeys (n=44/53) and mules (n=24/53). This information may serve as a guidline for planning an equine disease control programme in the targeted districts of the province. (C) 2013 Friends Science Publishers