Horse Health | Local Equine Vets in Lichfield - Pool House Equine

Worming advice is changing!

Traditionally wormers were given at frequent intervals throughout the year to prevent disease due to a worm burden. We are now recommending a risk based, diagnostic-led worming programme rather than regular worming throughout the year as standard, this is due to the increasing evidence of resistance to the current wormers that are available.

Resistance is a growing threat. This is because, just like antibiotics, worms are developing resistance to the drugs that we use to kill them. This is due to a number of factors, however worming when it is not required is considered the prime reason. It is commonly thought only 20% of horses have worms but over 80% are still being wormed.

Targeted worming - Risk Assessment based
Why do we need to a worm risk assessment?
What does the risk assessment involve?
Recommended worming programme
Management of their environment

Targeted worming - Risk Assessment based

A worm risk assessment, together with regular worm egg counts and tapeworm saliva tests, is the most effective way to determine if and when, a horse needs to be treated for worms. This is known as a risk-based, diagnostic led approach to worming. An annual worm risk assessment helps to ascertain whether your horse needs to be given a routine treatment for encysted small redworm larvae in the winter. It also enables us to monitor your horse over time and to provide advice about a suitable worming program and other things you can do to help minimize your horse’s worm burden.

Why do we need to a worm risk assessment?

Targeted deworming strategies are now recommended to keep the resistance to available wormers to a minimum. With only five worming chemicals licensed to treat parasites in horses in the UK, resistance means untreatable parasite burdens and there are currently no new treatments on the horizon!

Wormer resistance occurs when a wormer no longer effectively controls the worm population. Once resistance has been established in a worm population, the health, and welfare of horses are at risk. Resistance develops due to the small genetic variations that occur within a worm population which lead to some worms naturally being more resistant to chemical wormers than others. Therefore, when a horse is treated with a wormer all of the worms which haven’t evolved with this advantage (susceptible worms) are killed, leaving only the worms which are resistant. These resistant worms then pass on their resistance, creating a wormer resistant population. This is an example of natural selection.

What does the risk assessment involve?

Usually annually, either download the pdf via the website or complete the online form one of our team is available to assist with the completion of the RA .

The results of the RA along with the testing results will determine a bespoke worming plan for you and your horse, pony or donkey.

Recommended worming programme

An annual risk assessment consultation with a suitably qualified person.

FWEC (faecal worm egg count) every 12-14 weeks throughout the year
Tapeworm saliva test biannually but spring as a minimum
If treatment advised to be administered a reduction FWEC 10-14 days following treatment for red worms, for tapeworm treatment 12 weeks after dosing to ensure treatment is effective
If risk assessment suggests : a blood test for red worms in autumn /winter

Management of their environment

Remove Manure from pasture at least twice weekly, preferably every couple of days.
Avoid overcrowding of paddocks
Rotate grazing with sheep or cattle or rest pastures regularly
Muck heaps should be separated from grazing areas
Avoid harrowing
Where possible graze horses of similar age together - young horses are more susceptible
New horses should be dewormed and quarantined for a minimum of three days after de-worming.

What's Your Worm Risk guidelines

What's Your Worm Risk guidelines

Tapeworm saliva sample guidelines.

Horses must not have eaten, drunk or been exercised for 30mins prior to sampling.

Place the cotton swab into the interdental space where the bit would go and let the horse mouth the swab.

The indicator at the base of the tube turns pink when enough saliva has been collected. This could take between 30 seconds and a couple of minutes depending on how wet the horse's mouth is.

Place the swab into the tube of preservative solution.

Add the barcode to the tube and post in the return envelope to Austin Davies at the Kettering address. The envelope is prepaid so no need to stamp.

Tapeworms of different sizes

Redworm in horse manure