Retrospective study of respiratory diseases in working equids in Morocco: 2018 – 2023

Abstract

Very few countries have investigated respiratory diseases in working equids, despite their significant impact on the health and well-being of these animals, and on the income of their owners. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory disorders in working horses, mules and donkeys examined between 2018 and 2023 at the five SPANA centres in Morocco according to species, region and season. The date of consultation, region, species and diagnosis based on the animal’s history and clinical examination were collected from 136,692 working equids. A significant difference was found between species regarding the prevalence of infectious respiratory diseases, specifically strangles, and severe equine asthma. Marrakech had the highest rates of total respiratory diseases and specifically non-infectious diseases, with a prevalence of 23.8% and 48.4% respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of all respiratory diseases and non-infectious respiratory diseases in working equids was higher in Summer (14.1% and 29.1%, respectively), while the prevalence of infectious respiratory diseases was higher in Winter and Autumn (45.5% and 43.8%, respectively). In order to implement preventive measures and good husbandry practices, further investigations are needed to refine the diagnosis of respiratory disorders.

Key words: Donkeys, mules, region, respiratory diseases, season, working horses