USING IVERGEL DRUG BEFORE VACCINATION AGAINST STRANGLES IN HORSES: ANTIPARASITIC EFFICACY AND EFFECTS ON THE GENERAL CONDITION

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the antiparasitic efficacy of the Ivergel drug and its impact on the immune response in horses vaccinated against Streptococcus equi, the causative agent of strangles. The experiment involved two groups of 15 horses each: an experimental group that received deworming treatment with Ivergel 14 days before vaccination, and a control group that was only vaccinated.

Coprological analysis revealed the presence of helminths from of Strongylidae, Parascarididae, and Oxyuridae families before treatment, with a mean infection intensity of 540 ± 120 eggs per gram of feces. After treatment with Ivergel, this indicator decreased to 20 ± 18 eggs/g, corresponding to an average efficacy of 89.8 ± 3.7% (p <0.01). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Determination of specific antibodies to Streptococcus equi showed higher titers in animals pretreated with the antiparasitic drug: on day 14 — 1:640 ± 80 versus 1:390 ± 70, and on day 28 — 1:920 ± 90 versus 1:580 ± 60 (p < 0.05). Improved overall clinical condition was also noted in the treated animals. The results demonstrate that deworming prior to immunization contributes to the formation of a more pronounced humoral immune response, reduces the risk of adverse reactions, and can be recommended as an important component of integrated strangles prevention in horses.