Seasonal Assessment of Welfare and Endoparasitic Infections in Balkan Donkeys

Abstract

Background In Serbia, donkey breeding is meeting a growing trend, primarily for milk production. However, the welfare status of donkeys kept under such farming systems remains inadequately evaluated, with limited data available on their health, behavior, and overall management conditions. Aims This study aimed to evaluate welfare indicators in donkeys, determine the prevalence of endoparasitic infections, and assess their potential effects on the animals’ welfare status. Methods The study was conducted during spring and autumn season, on a sample of 160 Balkan donkeys aged 1 to 15 years from five selected farms. Welfare was assessed using the “Animal Welfare Indicators” welfare protocol for donkeys, while parasitological diagnostics were performed on fecal samples. Results In donkeys in spring, the mean body condition score, skin lesions, unhealthy hair coat condition, ocular discharges, and signs of hoof neglect were significantly higher than those for donkeys in autumn(p < 0.001, p < 0.05). The mean score of skin tent test, and faecal soiling in autumn were significantly higher than those for donkeys in spring (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). Parasites identified included Eimeria leuckarti, strongylids, Parascaris equorum, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, Anoplocephala spp., Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum in the form of individual and mixed infections. Significant correlations (p < 0.001, p < 0.05) were found between P. equorum and faecal soiling, strongylids and thin BCS in spring, and strongylids and loss of hair in autumn season. Conclusions This study emphasizes the association between parasitic infections and donkey welfare, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and the development of guidelines to improve health and welfare protection in Serbia.