Gastrointestinal parasites in working donkeys (Equus asinus) from Cusco, Peru: First report of Fasciola hepatica infection in equids from Southern Peru

Zarate Rendon, Daniel; Villafuerte Pancorbo, Milena; Limaymanta Zavala, Ines Milagros

doi:10.22092/ari.2026.371397.3945

Gastrointestinal parasites in working donkeys (Equus asinus) from Cusco, Peru: First report of Fasciola hepatica infection in equids from Southern Peru

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Laboratorio de Parasitología Departamento de Nutrición-Facultad de Zootecnia Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina Lima, Peru

² Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Científica del Sur. Lima, Peru

³ Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru

10.22092/ari.2026.371397.3945

Abstract

1) Introduction: Working donkeys (Equus asinus) are rustic animals used in rural communities as a means of transport and cargo. They are raised under grazing conditions, with precarious health management, conditions that favor the presence of severe parasitosis. The present study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites infecting working donkeys from the Colcha-Paruro district, Cusco, Peru, in October 2022.
2) Material and Methods: A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was employed, collecting fecal samples from 26 donkeys. The samples were taken to the Laboratory of parasitology, at the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in isothermal boxes with ice packages. Once in the laboratory samples were analyzed using a modified flotation technique using salt-sugar solution, a modified McMaster method, and the Fluke Finder. Coprocultures and the Baermann technique were performed to obtain infective larvae (L3) for morphological identification of strongyles.
3) Results: General results showed a prevalence of 100% (26/26) for strongyles. Infective larvae identified 100% of cyathostomes. Moreover, 19.2% (5/26) were positive for Fasciola. hepatica and 7.7% (2/26) for Parascaris spp.
4) Discussions: This study constitutes the second report in Peru of natural infection with Fasciola. hepatica in donkeys, and the first one for the Southern region. This finding suggests its possible role in the epidemiology of fasciolosis in the area, including a role in the zoonotic infection. The high prevalence of cyathostomes reported confirms the importance of these strongyles in grass-fed equines and indicates deficiencies in health protocols. Future studies on possible anthelmintic resistance are recommended.
5) Conclusion: Our study underscores the need for more effective parasite control strategies to improve the health status of working donkeys. to reduce the impact of these infections on their welfare and to consider these animals in human fascioliasis control programs from the One-Health perspective.

Keywords