Tail rubbing and scratching are common symptoms of which of the following parasites?

Tail rubbing and scratching are commonly associated with the presence of Habronema, which are stomach worms that infect horses, particularly affecting their skin and causing irritation. When horses suffer from Habronema infections, they may experience dermatitis, leading to itching and rubbing of the tail and other areas of their body. This behavioral response is a direct reaction to the discomfort caused by the larvae of the parasite, which can invade the skin and lead to localized inflammation.

In contrast, while gastrointestinal worms primarily affect the internal digestive system and may have secondary effects on overall health, they typically do not cause external symptoms like tail rubbing. Ticks and mites can cause irritation and scratching, but they generally do not specifically lead to the characteristic behavior of tail rubbing associated with Habronema infestations. Thus, understanding the role of Habronema in causing such symptoms can help in identifying and managing the condition effectively.