Conference Agenda

Strongyloides westeri is an intestinal threadworm of foals (≤16 weeks) that can cause dermatitis, diarrhoea and respiratory signs depending on parasite burden and transmission route. Despite its clinical relevance, epidemiological data on infections in Australian foal populations are limited. Additionally, traditional diagnostic methods such as faecal flotation techniques may have lower diagnostic sensitivity, highlighting the need for improved molecular diagnostic methods. This study aims to develop and validate a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection and quantification of S. westeri in faecal samples from Australian foals. Following McMaster faecal egg count (FEC), DNA extracted from samples will be screened for Strongyloides spp. using a qPCR assay targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA region. The positive amplicons will be submitted for sanger DNA sequencing. Sequence analysis will be undertaken using Geneious Prime and alignments made with GenBank references, followed by species identity confirmation using phylogenetic analysis. Although experimental work is ongoing, it is anticipated that the qPCR assay will have greater sensitivity and accuracy compared to the traditional FEC. This will be the first study to provide molecular epidemiological data of S. westeri in Australian foals and support sustainable equine health management.

Ticks and tick‑borne diseases (TTBDs) are an emerging threat to human and animal health and livestock productivity. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding TTBDs among cattle producers in Western Australia. A 44-item questionnaire (covering farm demographics, knowledge of tick-borne diseases, attitudes towards prevention and control, and on-farm management practices) was utilised to survey cattle producers in the region. The survey was distributed through regional biosecurity groups, field visits, and online platforms. Among 108 producers participated, 83 were included in the final analysis. Overall knowledge was low, no respondent (0/83) correctly answered all six knowledge questions, and the mean score was less than 1 out of 6. Most participants recognised the adverse effects of ticks on cattle health (81.3%), however, awareness of zoonotic risks (18.8%) and diseases such as bovine theileriosis (BATOG) (31.3%) was limited. Only 26.5% of the respondents reported favourable attitudes towards tick prevention and control. Management practices were variable, with 30.7% classified as poor, 47.6% as moderate, and 21.5% as optimal. Acaricides were commonly used (63.8%). This study reveals a critical low knowledge among cattle producers in WA and inconsistent control practices. Improved on-farm tick management including appropriate control methods, and disease awareness is required.

Gastrointestinal parasites are a significant health concern for horses, affecting their overall health and performance. Detecting intestinal parasites in horses is crucial for maintaining their health and preventing disease outbreaks, which can lead to significant economic and performance-related losses. This research provides essential data that can inform better management practices and parasite control strategies, ultimately enhancing horse health and productivity. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of different gastrointestinal parasites in horses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the relationship between infection rates and the horses' age, sex, and species. A total of 113 fecal samples from horses were gathered and examined using NaCl flotation and direct fecal smear techniques to detect gastrointestinal parasites. The results showed that among the 113 samples examined, 44 (38.93%) were found positive for various gastrointestinal parasites. The detected parasites included Entrobius spp. (10.6%), Eimeria spp. (6.19%), Anoplocephala spp. (2.65%), Parascaris equorum (1.76%), Ascaris spp. (1.76%), and Gastrodiscus spp. (0.88%). Additionally, 29.2% of the infections were attributed to unidentified oocysts, larvae, or eggs. These findings suggest that gastrointestinal parasites are common in horses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.