Latest from Horse & Hound in Worms-and-worming

Action must be taken as we ‘stand on a precipice’ in horse and human health

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:59:15 +0000

We are standing on the precipice of a return to a pre-antibiotic world where routine medical and veterinary procedures would become impossible.

This was the stark warning given at the 2026 National Equine Forum on 5 March, in a session titled “On the brink: equine health conditions we cannot ignore”. Philip Ivens, director of Buckingham Equine Vets, covered the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, and what the horse world can do about it.

“It’s hard to overstate what an age without antibiotics is, as patients and as healthcare professionals,” he said. “We have a duty of care, whether we work with horses, veterinary or human medicine, to try to protect antibiotics for the future.

“There will be parts of this talk that go to the depths of despair – but I hope it will end with positive sentiment for the future.”

Dr Ivens explained that there is an ongoing increase in populations of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and that these resistant genes can move between bacteria species; people who work with horses, for example, can facilitate transfer of resistant populations.

“So it’s really important, this one health subject; whether we’re treating horses, companion animals, farm animals, humans, the effects of antibiotic resistance are the same,” he said.

“We take antibiotics for granted. For most of us, most of the time, we do not realise we’re standing on the precipice of returning to an era of medicine prior to the antibiotic age.”

Antibiotic resistance policies

Dr Ivens said all vets should have resistance policies at practice level, and that the British Equine Veterinary Association has a range of tools and policies aimed at responsible prescription of antibiotics. A new project involves collecting and assessing clinical data to help inform which antibiotic to give, and for how long. Collecting this may come at a higher cost but may also mean less antibiotic is needed.

“So what can we do as an equine community now?” he said. “We need to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship by yards and clinics. We need to prioritise culture and sensitivity testing where feasible, we need to improve infection prevention through wound care, biosecurity, and vaccination uptake, we need to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use in bacterial conditions.

“Then we need to collaborate better across human health and environmental sectors in that one health initiative. So are we winning or losing? We are making progress in awareness, policy and surveillance, but biologically, resistance is still outpacing our interventions, and the equine sector has a critical role in stewardship, prevention and early adoption of new diagnostics.

“The next decade will determine whether resistance becomes manageable or catastrophic.”

Shift in approach

Jane Hodgkinson, professor of molecular veterinary parasitology at the University of Liverpool, covered another issue of growing resistance – to worming drugs.

H&H has reported extensively on this threat, as resistance has been recorded to all classes of equine wormers and no new ones are in the pipeline. Prof Hodgkinson said there has been a welcome shift towards appropriate, risk-based and targeted treatment rather than the blanket worming that can increase resistance.

“The most obvious thing people like me talk about is picking up poo from pasture, because you’re removing the source of infection, the essential development that needs to take place on pasture is not going to happen because you’re removing it,” she said. “Studies have shown that [poo-picking] twice a week will break that cycle of transmission.”

Owners should assess which horses are most at risk from parasites, such as young horses, and take measures such as not putting them on heavily grazed fields.

“A lot has happened while I’ve been working with the field, on really improving diagnostics and using them to guide treatment decisions,” she said.

Tools available

“The best example, I think most people do know, is using faecal egg counts, so you can direct your treatments to the horses that are going to either benefit the most. You’re using the tests to determine whether a drug should be used or not, and which drug, but increasingly people use egg counts to test that a drug has worked in the way they hope it has.”

Prof Hodgkinson encouraged use of available tools to assess whether horses are at risk of parasite infection.

“Moving forward, I think we have to do more work,” she said. “We have to work together – parasitologists like me, diagnosticians, prescribers, vets, other researchers – to try to establish what we’re going to do, faced with the reality of potential multi drug-resistant [parasites]. I don’t have solutions, but we do have challenges.”

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Sometimes the weather wins: owners struggling to poo-pick reassured on worm control this wet winter

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:19:54 +0000

Owners have been urged not to feel guilty if they are unable to poo-pick fields at the moment, as “there are times the weather simply wins”.

Parasite specialist Westgate Labs has reassured owners who are finding it impossible to remove droppings from their horses’ fields, owing to the very wet start to 2026, that they are not alone.

“If the start of 2026 has felt like one long downpour, you are not imagining it,” a Westgate spokesperson said. “Many horse owners have spent weeks staring at waterlogged paddocks, deep mud and gateways that swallow wellies whole. When the ground is saturated and a wheelbarrow will not move, regular poo picking can become impossible.

“With that often comes guilt. We know good pasture hygiene matters. Yet there are times when the weather simply wins.”

Many of the Westgate team keep horses and know the struggles this winter has brought. Director of marketing Claire Shand said: “Keeping horses means you live every inch of the weather. When the ground is saturated and you physically cannot get across it with a barrow, there’s nothing to do but accept the situation. Beating yourself up achieves nothing. The key is to focus on what you can control and have a sensible plan for when conditions improve.”

The spokesperson added that trying to drag loaded barrows through deep mud for winter poo-picking can cause injury to people and more damage to the wet ground.

“Parasite control is important, but so is avoiding burnout,” she said. “When it dries out, act strategically.”

Winter poo-picking

Horse owners are advised to start, once the ground dries, removing accumulated droppings as much as possible, which can significantly reduce contamination before worm larvae move more on to grazing.

“If you are considering harrowing to break up droppings, timing is critical,” she added. “Harrowing spreads larvae across the pasture, so it should only be done during dry, warm conditions when fields can then be rested. Ideally, rest harrowed pasture for at least six months before grazing again. Without that rest period, harrowing can increase, not reduce, infection risk.”

If space allows, any rotation can give contaminated areas a break, although if resting land for long periods is not practical, “the focus shifts to monitoring”.

“After a winter when pasture hygiene has been compromised, regular worm egg counts become even more important,” the spokesperson said. “Testing at appropriate intervals every eight to 12 weeks allows you to see whether egg shedding is rising.

“Use a structured risk assessment approach to review stocking density, age groups and recent history. If conditions have increased exposure, testing will highlight this before clinical signs appear. Evidence-based decisions are especially valuable when management options are limited.

“A wet winter does not undo years of responsible parasite control. What matters is how we respond. Remove what you can when you can. Rest and rotate where practical. Test regularly. Treat only when evidence supports it. Most importantly, look after your horse and yourself. Sustainable parasite control is about balance, not perfection.”

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Owners warned of ‘notable rise’ in worm egg counts this autumn

Lucy Elder — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:26:24 +0000

The particularly warm and dry 2025 summer is thought to be linked to a “notable rise” in worm egg count results in UK horses – even among those horses who have historically had low or clear results.

Provisional Met Office statistics, shared on 1 September, confirm that summer 2025 was officially the warmest summer on record for the UK. Westgate Labs, which specialises in parasite control for horses and offers postal worm egg count testing, noticed the pattern through this autumn’s test results in UK horses – and believes the two are linked.

Experts are urging owners to test regularly and poo pick frequently as the “first line of defence” against worm infestations.

“What we’re likely seeing is the impact of a warm summer allowing the larval development phase to speed up, meaning horses can become more readily infected as they graze,” said Professor Jacqui Matthews, recognised specialist in parasitology and director of veterinary science at Austin Davis Biologics.

“There’s also been less forage available, so horses have been cropping the grass closer to the soil and dung piles and there’s been less opportunity to rest and rotate grazing, further increasing infection potential.

“What this means for horse owners is that they need to be regularly testing all horses as even those with historically good results may be more at risk of worm infection than in previous years and prioritising poo picking.”

Westgate Labs highlighted that many owners carrying out their routine autumn tests were surprised to see higher counts than expected – horses who had previously shown low or clear results are now presenting with medium or high readings, despite no change in management.

Westgate Labs’ director, Kristy Hodgson added: “Alongside worm egg counts every eight to 12 weeks, poo picking is our first line of defence in helping to combat parasite infection, physically breaking the life cycle by removing the eggs from the pasture.

“I chat to tens of horse owners every day and it’s consistently our customers who aren’t able to clear dung who have seen the biggest rise in the number of horses requiring treatment this autumn.

“The data reinforces the importance of pasture hygiene over harrowing, which in warm, damp conditions may spread larvae rather than destroy them.”

Westgate Labs recommends testing all horses every 12 weeks, plus twice-yearly tapeworm tests, to ensure targeted treatment and avoid unnecessary worming, which contributes to drug resistance.

Westgate Labs and Austin Davies Biologics are presenting a free webinar with a focus on redworm infection at 7pm on 14 January. Find out more at: fb.me/e/4rPYI7SHH

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Yard owners urged to play their part against ever-growing and deadly threat to horse health

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:34:10 +0000

Yard owners are urged to play a part in tackling growing and potentially deadly wormer resistance.

Project WORMS, an initiative set up by vets is asking owners and managers of livery and competition yards to share information about their parasite control methods.

The project was set up in response to “real concern that the horse world could be left without effective de-wormers in the future, putting horses at an increased risk of parasite damage-related illnesses such as severe diarrhoea, weight loss and colic, which are currently preventable”.

It has already gathered information on worming practices from horse owners and stud managers, to help inform improvements, and a key finding was that 42% of owners who responded keep horses on a yard managed by someone else. For most of theses horses, yard managers make decisions about worming.

“All grazing horses are affected by worms and controlling them is vital to maintain the health of these horses,” a Project WORMS spokesperson said. “However, the deworming drugs (anthelmintics) that we have relied on for many years are becoming less and less effective due to increasing levels of resistance among the worms.

“The latest survey is aimed at owners and managers of yards with two or more liveries and the data captured will be used to help support yard owners to make better decisions on their properties, to try and prevent serious disease, and even death, due to wormer resistance in future.”

Take the survey online

The project is a collaboration between VetPartners’ equine clinical board, CVS Group, IVC Evidensia and Equine Reproductive Services, and is supported by the British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA). It has ethical approval from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Vet Julia Shrubb, chair of the equestrian industry’s CANTER initiative set up to tackle wormer resistance, said: “We need to take action because resistance has been demonstrated in all the deworming drugs currently available to us and there are no new products being developed to replace them.

“The results of the first Project WORMS survey were encouraging because they showed that resistance has become more widely understood and more owners are switched on to testing. However, some liveries may be continuing to over-use dewormers due to rules set out by their yard.”

Difficult decisions

Ms Shrubb said yard owners have to make difficult decisions when considering all the horses in their care. The project team wants to understand how they make these decisions, to be able to support them better.

“It’s really important that yard owners make sure their deworming approach includes risk assessing and testing,” she said. “If many continue as they are, we are not only risking the health and welfare of horses in the future, but the viability of livery businesses if the land cannot safely be grazed by horses.”

Equine internal medicine specialist Tim Mair of CVS Equine added: “More information is now needed about how yard managers are controlling worms and using deworming drugs on their yards. A responsible approach to the use of dewormers is crucial to maximise animal welfare and ensure we have effective products available in the future.

“We understand that controlling parasites in groups or herds of horses is complicated, but we hope that by finding out more about how it’s approached we’ll be able to identify where improvements can be made, which will benefit livery yards as well as horses and their owners.”

Surveys are anonymous, but anyone taking part can leave their details to be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win £100 in Love2Shop vouchers.

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New test welcomed for ‘most dangerous’ equine parasite

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:12:19 +0000

A new test for potentially fatal large redworm in horses is “another useful tool in the kit”.

Westgate Labs has launched the test after a resurgence of Strongylus vulgaris, “the most dangerous intestinal parasite affecting horses”.

Westgate’s business director Kristy Hodgson said “alarm bells started ringing” when cases of large redworm were confirmed in UK horses. The larvae spend time in the horse’s blood vessels, where they can cause life-threatening damage including colic, haemorrhage and intestinal infarction, but numbers had vastly reduced over the past 40 years.

“We knew we needed to act quickly to provide a reliable way to identify these infections before they cause serious harm,” she said.

“We want to empower owners and prescribers with the tools to make informed decisions and not be forced back to over-worming as a precaution. This innovation sharpens our insight, allowing us to stay ahead of parasite threats while tackling resistance in the right way.”

Faecal worm egg counts can assess small redworm levels but cannot distinguish between small and large strongyle eggs. For the new test, faecal samples are incubated in controlled conditions to allow larvae to hatch, which can then be identified.

Jacqui Matthews, a parasitology specialist from Austin Davis Biologics, said: “The launch of a commercial larval culture test for large strongyles is a very timely and important step for equine health. While Strongylus vulgaris was once considered under control, recently published reports on its increasing prevalence across Europe and growing concerns about the risk of clinical disease in the UK highlight the urgent need for this service.

“This test is a significant advancement and will support effective treatment decisions and responsible parasite control.”

British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) CEO David Mountford told H&H: “This new test adds another useful tool to our kit. It won’t replace regular worm egg counts, or other control measures, but it could play an important role in preventing a resurgence of large redworm.

“At BEVA, we’re strong advocates of testing before treating. Anything that helps us avoid unnecessary worming while still protecting horse health is a step in the right direction.”

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We must change how we worm our horses before it is too late, say experts

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 20:30:15 +0000

New guidelines on equine worm control have been launched – with the warning: “If horse owners don’t make these changes now, it will be too late.”

Cross-sector group CANTER (Controlling Antiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly), has published a “crucial” document setting out key principles, to support vets, pharmacists and SQPs (suitably qualified persons) in prescribing and recommending suitable parasite control strategies.

The guidance, written by vets, parasitologists and other experts, is aimed at tackling the increasing threat of wormer resistance. H&H has reported that there has been resistance recorded to all the classes of wormers available, with no prospect of new drugs.

CANTER veterinary representative and equine internal medicine specialist David Rendle said: “Anthelmintic resistance represents a huge threat to equine health and welfare. Universal adoption of a diagnostic-led approach to parasite control and a dramatic reduction in the use of anthelmintics is what’s needed to address this and, I hope, what CANTER will provide the impetus for.

“If horse owners don’t make these changes now, it will be too late.”

CANTER chair and Veterinary Medicines Directorate international programme manager Alison Pyatt said publication of the guidance is a “seminal moment in the life of CANTER and our work to address the very real threat posed by anthelmintic resistance”.

“To achieve industry-wide consensus on such a complex and important area of equine health is hugely rewarding,” she said. “We draw collaborative expertise from international authorities on equine health and parasitology, to promote a consistency in approach across prescriber groups that has never been done before.

“Our intention is for them to be a free, easily accessible, live resource that underpins our first aim, to support prescribers with practical, evidence-based principles to slow wormer resistance.”

The clear overall message is that repeated blanket treatments for drug-resistant worms should be avoided. Prescribers are urged to apply field and horse management strategies to reduce parasite infection and break worms’ transmission cycles, use tools such as worm egg counts and “apply a risk-based approach to estimate parasite transmission potential in individual horses”.

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers said: “Antiparasitic resistance is a critical and growing threat to equine health and welfare, so the publication of the CANTER guidelines is a huge step forward in tackling this crisis. We have no doubt that the much-anticipated publication of the guidelines will be essential in promoting clarity and consistency in the approach to sustainable equine parasite control.”

The group’s next priority is to develop resources for horse owners.

Visit: canterforhorses.org.uk

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‘Desperate need’ to reduce wormer use in horses after new research on deadly resistance

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:21:31 +0000

It is critical that horse and yard owners and vets work together to delay further resistance to wormers, as research finds “vital clues” to aid the fight.

Two surveys were organised by Project WORMS (Working to Overcome Resistance and Make for a Sustainable future). The aim was to investigate parasite control in UK horses, identify areas where management practices could be improved and look at whether vets can better target their advice.

H&H has reported extensively on the issue; resistance to all available worming drugs is present and increasing and no new products are being developed. A spokesman for WORMS, a collaboration between VetPartners, CVS Group, IVC Evidensia and Equine Reproductive Services, supported by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), said: “The horse world could be left without effective anthelmintics in the near future, putting horses at an increased risk of parasite damage-related illnesses such as severe diarrhoea, weight loss and colic, which are currently preventable.”

The horse owner survey, completed by 4,233 people, found that 84% carry out regular faecal worm egg counts (FWEC), 40% routinely test for tapeworm, 73% poo-pick grazing and 22% graze with or alternate grazing with ruminants. Of those who do FWECs, 37% routinely worm horses at least once a year, regardless of results.

In the second survey, focusing on the breeding industry, 36% of stud managers said they have experienced parasite-related illness within the last year, most often weight loss, diarrhoea and colic. Over 20% were aware of wormer resistance on their premises.

Of those who said veterinary advice was “very important” when deciding whether to worm, nearly half used moxidectin and praziquantel as their first-line anthelmintic.

Julia Shrubb, deputy chair of VetPartners’ equine clinical board and a vet at Ashbrook Equine Hospital, said it is critical that horse owners, stud farms and veterinary surgeons work together to delay the onset of further resistance.

She said: “The information from the surveys is vital to give us a further understanding of how and why anthelmintics are given to horses. The surveys have identified areas where management practices can be improved and this will allow veterinary surgeons and SQP [suitably qualified person] professionals to give more appropriate and targeted advice and encourage responsible anthelmintic use.

“It is very encouraging that high levels of testing were reported, which underpins responsible anthelmintic use.”

Graham Hunter, IVC Evidensia equine group veterinary advisor, said a “huge educational piece” is needed on a targeted approach to wormer use.

Tim Mair, CVS equine director, added: “Resistance among horse parasites to the currently available wormers is widespread and increasing. We desperately need to reduce the overuse of these drugs, not only to stem the tide of resistance, but also to reduce the toxic effects that these drugs have on the environment.”

Key actions

CANTER (Controlling Antiparasitic Resistance in Equines Responsibly), a group set up to tackle wormer resistance, recommends owners risk assess each horse’s likelihood of suffering as a result of parasites, and work with vets to ensure appropriate control programmes.

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(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

‘We treat horses for tapeworm too frequently’ warns top vet

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EquiSal Tapeworm Test review H&H Approved

£20.50

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Stark warning of more colic deaths unless owners act to avoid worming ‘Armageddon’

‘We’re on a slippery slope, and what’s at the bottom is not an appealing picture’

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Large numbers of horses will die if we do not change the way we worm

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Clarification on equine wormers under new veterinary prescribing rules

Becky Murray — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:21:01 +0000

Tighter regulations around prescribing veterinary antibiotics and antiparasitics have been welcomed – as clarification is provided on equine wormers.

In September, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons introduced new “under care guidance”, which affects how vets prescribe prescription-only medications (POM-Vs). When prescribing POM-Vs, a vet must carry out a “clinical assessment”, and under these new rules it is up to the vet whether this assessment includes a physical examination. But in the case of controlled drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics or antivirals, vets must now always perform a physical examination.

The antiparasitic aspect was delayed to 12 January, and there was some confusion last year as to whether it applied to equine wormers. But the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) told H&H horse wormers are not affected, as their legal classification is outside the remit of the rules.

Past BEVA president Mark Bowen said the main aim is to regulate remote prescribing.

In equine practice, most telemedicine is provided to existing clients, but Dr Bowen said “a new model of telemedicine-only vets is emerging”, and the rules are designed to ensure in-person care must be available should a condition not improve, or in the event of a complication of treatment, and that the drugs are not prescribed remotely without physical examination.

“Vets welcome the concept of tighter regulation of these medicines, which essentially prevents remote prescription. These medicines are critically important to human and animal health and their overuse results in resistance,” he said.

“Their use needs tighter regulation since many antiparasitic agents have the potential to cause significant environmental harm.”

Westgate Labs Horse Worm Egg Count Kit H&H Approved

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:03:35 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The Horse Worm Egg Count Kit from Westgate Labs tests the infection levels of adult, egg-laying redworm and roundworm in equines, including horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. The test kit includes everything you need to collect the sample, and send it for laboratory testing, which is included in the cost of the kit.

The kit includes:

– a pot to collect a faecal sample for each horse

– an information leaflet

– a voucher for the lab tests

– a single compostable glove

– a single pre-paid envelope to send the sample(s) to the lab in one go

I’d collected samples previously, but my yard owner had just handed us the pots without instructions and it turns out I wasn’t doing it quite right – so if you’ve never read the instructions before I suggest you do so.

A compostable glove is provided (Image credit: creditUnknown)

I collected five small samples (as directed) from different piles of poo using the glove provided – and put them all into one sample pot. I kept my horse in overnight to make this easier, but you can collect from the field if you know they’re fresh and don’t belong to one of your horse’s field-mates. It’s important to fill the sample pot right to the top and make sure there aren’t any air gaps.

The filled pot should have no air gaps (Image credit: creditUnknown)

All you have to do then is write your horse’s name on the sticker provided (which handily reminds you to fill any gaps) and use it to secure the pot closed.

I filled in the voucher with my details and put it in the pre-paid and pre-addressed envelope along with the samples, which I could take straight to the postbox on the same day. I collected samples from my horse and his field-mate and they all went in the same envelope, which was great.

I posted on the Friday and the results arrived by email on Monday afternoon – you can’t get much quicker than that!

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Both horses had a medium count. The results were explained in the email and I followed up with an Equest wormer due to the time of year. I also tested for tapeworm using the EquiSal tapeworm test – my results from this were negative, which meant we didn’t need to use the more expensive Equest Pramox. If you’re unsure about your results, there’s a free helpline you can call.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This test was easy to do and the results were really quick. Everything is provided for you and it really couldn’t be simpler. Not only is it cheaper than worming if you’re testing outside of Dec–Feb (all horses should be dosed with moxidectin wormer during this time), but testing helps to prevent wormer resistance, which is currently a significant issue, too.

In the UK? View the Horse Worm Egg Count Kit now at viovet.co.uk

Who tested this worm egg count kit?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She spends her days at work researching and reviewing all kinds of products for horses and riders, and is often the first to hear about anything new to the market. Georgia owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who happily takes part in a lot of testing. She is at the yard twice a day every day and spends a lot of time in the saddle – whatever the weather – so is perfectly placed to test a wide range of products.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

‘Act now, before it’s too late’: Piggy March backs call to horse owners on deadly resistance

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 12:20:02 +0000

Top eventer Piggy March is among those backing a campaign that urges owners to act on wormer resistance – before it is too late.

The Badminton and Burghley winner has given her support to CANTER – Controlling Antiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly – which is named to “communicate the urgency of its crusade”.

H&H reported on the group, the first of its kind, which aims to tackle the increasing threat that wormer resistance poses, to equine health and the equestrian industry. Piggy, with coach Miri Hackett and international endurance rider Anna Bridges, joined CANTER representatives for the launch, at the National Equine Show on 4 March.

“CANTER brings together voluntary representation from the widest reaches of the sector,” a spokesman for the group said. “These include leading experts in the field across prescribers, diagnostic providers, pharmaceutical companies, trade organisations, technical experts, horse owners, charities, and policymakers. All recognise the critical consequences of antiparasitic resistance and the need for coordinated action to slow the development of resistance and maintain efficacy of our limited treatments.”

Claire Stratford of the Government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate, spearheaded the formation of the group.

“We’ve come so far in a short time and that’s down to the passion that so many people have brought to this project,” she said. “It’s really exciting to be working with experts and key opinion leaders to make progress on this serious issue. I hope that CANTER will raise awareness and stimulate action across the equine community towards sustainable parasite control.”

Dr Stratford added that the group’s aim is to become the trusted source of information for prescribers and horse owners, and to “facilitate informed discussion about this important aspect of horse health”.

At the start, the group is prioritising four main issues. It will publish best practice guidelines this year, to inform guidance on “sustainable, responsible, and practical strategies for parasite control in equines”.

It will produce faecal egg count guidance, which it is hoped will promote effective use of diagnostic and monitoring tools. A research arm has been formed and a communication strategy is being developed.

Dr Stratford, Claire Shand of Westgate Labs and Claire Williams of the British Equestrian Trade Association launched the group with a presentation. They urged owners to assess parasite risks with prescribers, test to target treatment appropriately and poo-pick fields, all of which will reduce exposure to wormers and the development of resistance.

British Equine Veterinary Association president David Rendle, a strong voice in the campaign to reduce resistance, said: “Anthelmintic resistance represents a huge threat to equine health and welfare. Universal adoption of a diagnostic-led approach to parasite control and a dramatic reduction in the use of anthelmintics is what’s needed to address this, and I hope, what CANTER will provide the impetus for. If horse owners don’t make these changes now, it will be too late.

“Risk factors for parasite associated disease should always be considered when developing a plan for diagnostic-led parasite control, and diagnostics and treatments should be considered within that framework having already considered the risks. We have to get away from ad hoc use of egg counts and treatments.”

CANTER has developed a free resource for owners to assess their horses’ risk of parasite infection, which can be used to help inform the right action to take.

Piggy said: “I am supporting the CANTER initiative, which aims to reduce the threat worms pose to our horses. It is more important now than ever to ensure we are future-proofing our equine population in the UK. Go online and complete the risk checker to find out how at risk your horse is of getting parasites and to ensure we can all do our bit to keep our horses healthy.”

EquiSal Tapeworm Test review H&H Approved

georgia.guerin@futurenet.com (Georgia Guerin) — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:31:31 +0000

creditUnknown

The EquiSal Tapeworm Test works like a blood test but, instead, uses saliva that you collect yourself. The test tells you if you need to worm for tapeworm or not – and with the wormer resistance issues we face at the moment, this is really important information.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The test kit includes a saliva collection kit, return postage, emailing of results and follow-up advice if needed. Instructions are included, but I also watched this video by Westgate Labs to ensure I was doing it correctly.

Before conducting the test, you need to make sure your horse hasn’t eaten, drunk or exercised for 30 mins to ensure the saliva isn’t contaminated.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The saliva collection kit includes a swab that contains a pink dye. You hold the plastic end, while the cotton end is inserted into the mouth for the collection.

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When you begin the test, the end of the swab will be unaffected by the dye.

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I then inserted the swab into the inter-dental space where the bit would sit and allowed my horse to mouth it.

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After 30 secs to a minute, I took the swab out to check if the dye had leaked enough, but the circle was not completely pink. This was really easy to check.

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It was clear when the test was complete as the pink dye was dark and fully covered the circle.

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I popped the completed swab in the tube of solution and wrote his name on it.

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I packaged up the two tests (one for my horse and one for his field-mate) and got them ready to post. I was packaging up multiple tests at the same time as I’d also just completed the faecal sand test and worm count. Because I’d also taken everything out to photograph, it made things a little complicated when it came to checking I had all the correct paperwork with the correct packaging. But luckily everything is prepared for you as much as possible, so this would be a much simpler job if you were doing one test at a time.

The postage packet was pre-paid so I was able to get it in a postbox the same day. I posted them on a Friday and the results arrived in my email inbox on the Tuesday.

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The results were easy to understand. In my case, both horses had “low” results, which meant I did not need to treat for tapeworm – I only needed to purchase Equest to treat for possible encysted redworm and bots. Usually at this time of year, my yard would suggest using Equest Pramox, which also treats tapeworm, so it was really good to know that I wasn’t worming unnecessarily this time around.

Verdict

H&H Approved – This test was easy to do and the results came back really quickly. Although the cost of the EquiSal Tapeworm Test is more than the difference between the two treatments I would be choosing between at this time of year, it was very nice to know that I wouldn’t be giving my horse additional drugs he didn’t need and that I was doing my bit to help wormer resistance.

I will make use of the EquiSal test again next year and I’ll be suggesting the other liveries on my yard do the same. And if we buy our tests together, it’ll cost less, too.

In the UK? View the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit now at viovet.co.uk

‘We treat horses for tapeworm too frequently’ warns top vet

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:47:44 +0000

OWNERS are reminded that a wormer treating only tapeworms is still available from vets and that broader-spectrum products are not necessary to treat this parasite.

The only previous product available on the open market that contained only praziquantel was discontinued in 2018 in a “setback” in the fight against wormer resistance. The drug was then only to be available in combination with ivermectin or moxidectin, which are used to treat small and large redworm.

But manufacturer BOVA stepped in to produce a praziquantel-only product. This is a registered product so can only be sold by vets, and British Equine Veterinary Association president David Rendle told H&H it is “very useful to avoid using combined products when they are not necessary”.

H&H has reported at length on the dangers posed by growing wormer resistance in the UK and globally, and only using drugs when they are needed, as determined by an ongoing testing-led worming programme, is important in controlling this.

Mr Rendle explained that tapeworms cannot be identified in faecal worm egg counts; exposure to them is tested by saliva or blood tests, and levels in these tests are not expected to drop immediately after treatment.

“It is my personal opinion that we treat for tapeworms far too frequently and we worry too much about horses that have antibodies to tapeworms,” he told H&H. “In mature horses with some level of immunity, the risk of disease associated with tapeworm is low and annual treatment is adequate for the majority; some do not need to be treated at all.

“At the request of vets, BOVA has stepped in to produce a straight praziquantel product that is only active against tapeworms, to overcome precisely the concerns that have been outlined.”

Mr Rendle said the queries of some owners over-treating tapeworm “highlight the complexities of developing de-worming programmes and the value in developing an annual plan in partnership with your vet who will have more tools in their kit than are available over the counter”.

“They will also have knowledge of your property and management – and on livery yards may be able to coordinate plans for the whole yard, which will reduce everybody’s use of de-wormers and help prevent the development of further resistance on the property,” he said. “‘Further’, because there will already be red worm resistance there.”

Claire Shand, director of parasite and testing company Westgate Labs, told H&H it is important owners know there is a praziquantel-only product.

“As with all testing, we have to use it within the context of the science, the situation and the risk. [Tapeworm saliva test] EquiSal is excellent and the information it has brought has helped us to revolutionise our approach to tapeworm control since it became available in 2015.”

Westgate recommends six-monthly testing with the EquiSal tapeworm test, based on peer-reviewed research, and may recommend 12-monthly if results and circumstances suggest this is safe.

“The research shows that fewer than 30% of horses tested need treatment, which allows us to drastically reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals,” she said. “Conversely, it also enables us to treat those with a high burden effectively, for many of whom one isolated tapeworm treatment isn’t sufficient because of the reinfection rate and the fact the tapewormers target adult rather than larval stages of the parasite.”

14 jobs all horse owners need to do right now

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 12:02:59 +0000

With the nights starting to draw in here in the UK, there is no denying that autumn is on its way. Make sure you and your horse are ready for the colder weather with our seasonal horse care guide.

1. Hardcore

Putting hardcore down in gateways before the winter will help these areas stay compact, and prevent them from becoming too muddy and slippery.

2. Winter rugs

If you didn’t get your winter rugs cleaned and repaired in the spring, now is the time to do it. Or if you need new rugs, it’s time to go shopping! Check out our guides to the best lightweights, medium weights, heavyweights and the best rugs if you’re on a budget.

3. Clippers

Get your clippers serviced and the blades sharpened by a specialist so you are ready to tackle those winter woolies. Watch our clipping masterclass video to learn how to clip like the experts.

4. Worming

Autumn is the ideal time to test horses for tapeworm and treat if necessary, while vets recommend all horses should be wormed for encysted small redworm during November/December. So now is the time to get organised and order your worming supplies, checking that the active ingredients are the right ones for the the types of worms you are targeting.

5. Bedding

Choose bedding wisely if your horse is to be stabled in the coming colder months. If your horse suffers from respiratory problems they may benefit from a dust-free bedding combined with rubber matting. You may find you can save yourself money by buying in bulk.

6. Dietary changes

If your horse is overweight, the next few months is the ideal time to slim him down. If he is inclined to lose weight, now is the time to start thinking about his autumn/winter feeding regime before any weight loss occurs as there are plenty of feeds that can help with weight gain. Remember that good quality forage should form the basis of your feeding regime before turning to cereal-based feeds. Feeding oil will also help maintain condition.

7. Mud fever

Mud fever is often seen in autumn if conditions are wet and muddy. Avoid long periods of exposure to these conditions, as bacteria from the soil can enter the horse’s body through damaged skin or cuts. Barrier creams can also be used to help protect from wet and mud.

8. Vaccinations

Check if your horse’s vaccinations are due. Contact your vet if you are unsure what vaccinations your horse needs.

9. TeethGet your vet or equine dental technician to check your horse’s teeth before winter, to ensure they are able to make the most of their feed. This is particularly important for youngsters and older horses.

10. Grass

Laminitis is commonly associated with spring grass, but cool nights followed by sunny days in autumn can also be a risk. If you own a laminitis-prone horse consider whether you need to restrict their grass intake.

11. Fly gear

Clean your fly sheets and fly masks and store them ready for use in the spring. Bring all your fly sprays, shampoos and other liquids indoors to prevent freezing and thawing, which may make them less effective.

12. ‘Winterise’ your yardAfter the ground has frozen you won’t be able to sink new fence posts, so make sure they are all secure now. Check gutters and downpipes are in good condition and clear of debris. Insulate your pipes and unhook hoses when not in use, especially during the night when it may drop below freezing.

13. Cooling

If your horse typically works up a sweat while being ridden, have a wool or fleece cooler to hand to throw over him while he’s cooling down to prevent him from becoming chilled.

14. Shooting

If you live in an area where deer stalking or shooting may occur, it is best to avoid riding out at peak times. Dress yourself and your horse in hi-vis and talk to your fellow riders to make sure you can be seen and heard.

Owners warned of potential equine welfare ‘disaster’ if no action is taken

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:46:02 +0000

A new campaign is an attempt to prevent a “disaster” for equine welfare, which could be the case if we do not act.

The British Horse Society (BHS) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) have joined forces on the Think Before you Worm project, launched at the 2022 BEVA congress (7-10 September).

The aim is to educate owners, keepers and yard managers on the vital importance of following an evidence-based, testing-led, worming programme developed with the vet.

“This comes as the risk of dewormer resistance continues to threaten the equine industry; a state that occurs when a proportion of the worms inside horses are no longer killed by the dewormer,” a BHS spokesman said.

“The outdated practice of giving dewormers at regular intervals without testing first has resulted in worms becoming resistant to many of the drugs that we use. The aim of ‘Think Before You Worm’ is to help slow resistance by urging more equestrians to reduce a horse’s unnecessary exposure to dewormers by using testing-led programmes.”

H&H has reported on the fact wormer resistance could lead to a “colic Armageddon”, as well as issues such as pastures on which horses can no longer be grazed, as is already the case in some areas for other grazing species.

BHS welfare campaigns officer Gabby Madders said: “If we continuously deworm our horses without testing first, the number of resistant worms present will increase. This means worms on a horse’s pasture will become resistant to dewormers and no longer respond to treatment.

“Only five types of chemical drugs are available to treat horses in the UK for worms and there is now evidence of resistance to all of these chemicals. Without action, we could reach a point in the future where all worms are resistant to the dewormers available, which will be disastrous for equine welfare.

“We’re delighted to be working with BEVA to minimise the threat of resistance and to support horse owners, carers and yard managers with the development of a tailored, testing-led deworming plan that prioritises the welfare of their horses and eliminates any unnecessary treatment.”

BEVA president elect David Rendle said the association is just as pleased to be working with the BHS on this issue.

“Horse owners are becoming increasingly aware of the urgency with which we need to tackle dewormer resistance and find sustainable testing-led strategies of control, which minimise potential harm both to horses and to the environment.

“The BHS and BEVA guidelines are an excellent reference, and we would urge every horse and yard owner to work with their local veterinary surgeon to develop testing-led programmes that work best for them. Vets want to help.”

Risks associated with wormer resistance include the fact this increases dependence on other drugs, meaning a “vicious circle”, with more dependence and fewer options. If parasites become resistant to all drugs – and there has been resistance recorded to all classes – horses are at risk of serious illness, such as colic, which could be fatal.

Large numbers of horses will die if we do not change the way we worm

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:16:07 +0000

LARGE numbers of horses will die owing to our inability to control their parasites if we do not change our worming practices.

This was the warning given at a webinar on anthelmintic or wormer resistance, hosted by the Mare and Foal Sanctuary and presented by equine internal medicine specialist David Rendle.

H&H has previously reported on stark warnings given by Mr Rendle and others, including that the industry faces a “colic Armageddon” if current practices stay as they are.

Since 2010, there have been reports of resistance to every available class of wormer and there is “absolutely no suggestion of any new classes” in the foreseeable future.

“We aren’t going to get any new options, nothing in the short term, so we have to find strategies of coping,” Mr Rendle said.

“We’ve got to be careful about how we use these drugs if we’re not to get to a situation where we’re losing large numbers of horses because we can’t control their parasites.”

Mr Rendle noted that wormer use can have a wider environmental effect; the drugs are excreted and “large numbers” of dung beetles, an important part of the ecosystem, have been lost. The drugs are also “phenomenally toxic” to some aquatic life, meaning a “real threat to rural ecosystems”.

“It’s a double whammy; a threat to our horses and the environment they live in,” he said.

Mr Rendle said the aim in the 1960s was to eliminate parasites, which was “misguided”. Instead, owners should aim to kill enough worms to stop horses becoming ill and leave those that have not been exposed to the drugs, so resistance is not passed on in reproduction.

He discussed measures taken in other countries to combat anthelmintic resistance. In Denmark, proof of the need of a wormer has to be shown to buy it, and in Sweden they are only available on prescription. In both countries, there has been a significant decrease in the drugs used. But although Ireland has recently pledged to follow Sweden’s lead, there are no such plans in the UK.

Owners should instead adopt a programme of only worming when necessary as determined by testing, such as faecal worm egg counts; the challenge is persuading people that this is the “only way to preserve the health and welfare of our horses long term”.

Mr Rendle added that good pasture management is essential, citing a study that found twice-weekly poo-picking removed far more worm larva from pasture than the use of different anthelmintics. Grazing ruminants on equine pasture is also helpful.

“Current worming practices are unsustainable,” he finished. “Resistance is at alarming levels and resistance is irreversible. It’s hard to get that message across to people as they don’t see the threat and by the time they do, it will be too late.”

At a meeting on equine anthelmintic resistance, organised by the Government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) this spring, stakeholders agreed a pan-industry process is essential for a co-ordinated approach to wormer use.

It was agreed the group should “provide strategic direction” by means of a steering group, with sub-groups to lead on issues including education, research and communication.

“The VMD will now convene an inaugural core steering group meeting to discuss and develop the group’s strategy and priorities,” a Government spokesman said.

‘A serious and imminent threat to the equine industry’: owners called to action

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:31:47 +0000

Vets and researchers have joined forces on a project aimed at combating the “serious and imminent threat to the equine industry” posed by wormer resistance.

H&H has reported on the need for the industry to work together to deal with the issue, and to help safeguard the drugs we have for future use.

Now, collaborative project WORMS — working to overcome resistance and make for a sustainable future — has been launched as a weapon in the battle.

A spokesman for the project said: “Project WORMS recognises that veterinary teams and owners need to work together to tackle resistance to worming products.

“A responsible approach to the use of wormers is crucial to maximise animal welfare and ensure we have effective products available in the future.”

The first stage of the project, which is supported by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), was initiated as a collaboration between Tim Mair of CVS Group and Julia Shrubb and Camilla Scott of the VetPartners equine clinical board.

The first step involves asking horse owners and keepers, and stud and yard owners and managers, to complete an online survey on their worm-control programmes.

Mr Mair said: “Resistance to worming drugs, anthelmintic resistance, is a rapidly growing, worldwide problem. With no new worming drugs on the horizon, it is essential that we do everything we can to protect the drugs that we currently have available, which means using wormers strategically and only when necessary.

“To safeguard the drugs, we need to know how and when horse owners currently decide to worm their horses. This is the objective of these surveys.”

The surveys, for horse owners and yard/stud owners/managers, are available online.

BEVA president elect David Rendle added that BEVA is pleased to support this “important piece of work”, which will inform decision-making on the stewardship of the drugs.

“Anthelmintic resistance presents a serious and imminent threat to the equine industry,” he said.

Ms Shrubb, of Ashbrook Equine Hospital, said most owners want to do right by their horses.

“But many are unaware of the seriousness of the impending resistance problems of current wormers,” she said. “Understanding how and when horse owners currently choose to give wormers will help us improve worming practices in the future, with the aim to preserving their effectiveness for as a long as possible and ultimately help the health and welfare of our entire equine population.”

‘What will you do when the wormers stop working?’ – change is needed NOW to save horses’ lives

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 19:01:17 +0000

THE “writing is on the wall” for more equine disease and death if the industry does not take urgent, cohesive action against wormer resistance.

This was the view of experts at the 30th National Equine Forum on 3 March, who discussed the “collective responsibility” to tackle the issue. There is evidence of resistance to all four classes of worming drug available for use on horses, and no new types or drugs expected in the near future.

“This is a significant threat to our industry and uncontrolled, will lead to critical health and welfare issues,” said Claire Stratford, head of the efficacy team and anthelmintic policy lead at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). “Responsible use of [these drugs] is essential to maintain them.”

Dr Stratford said the issue is a global one, and horses can transmit resistant parasites “between yards, countries and continents”. Although there has been no recent research in this country, it is thought that “most horses in the UK have probably got resistant parasites”.

“It’s not a cause for panic but it is a real threat to all our horses, and it needs urgent collective attention,” she said.

Dr Stratford’s VMD colleague Alison Pyatt said resistance is also a global issue in livestock, and that in the UK, a “pan-industry” approach had been very successful. With that in mind, the VMD convened a group of experts from across the equine sector.

Dr Pyatt said one positive was reports that awareness, and use of diagnostics such as faecal worm egg counts, had increased over the past 10 years, and pasture management had improved.

“But we found we’ve got a critical problem still,” she said. “That tells us we’re not doing enough.”

Dr Pyatt said a major problem is the fragmented sector. There is a challenge in the many different ways horses are kept, and a need for standardisation in egg counts. Communication is a key issue, as is engaging those owners who are still routinely worming.

British Equine Veterinary Association president elect David Rendle, a specialist in equine internal medicine, said it was encouraging to hear of this progress.

“But I fear the wider industry isn’t quite on the same page and doesn’t appreciate the urgency of the situation,” he said. “We know traditional worming strategies mean 80% of doses are completely unnecessary, and multiple surveys show that although use of diagnostics is improving, as few as 10% of people are using them appropriately.”

Mr Rendle said in the past year in the UK, 1.13m doses of wormer were given, and 120,000 faecal egg counts carried out, so about 11 doses for each count, which is “definitely the wrong way round”.

But he said recent research indicated that education on the subject does not work, as the desired behaviour, a diagnostic testing-based plan and only worming when necessary, is seen as more expensive and more complicated, with no perceived benefit to the owner.

He believes a change in rules is needed, so owners can only buy wormers as part of a proved annual plan based on testing, and only if a horse is shown to need them.

“The writing is on the wall for more death and disease, and pastures that can’t be grazed by horses,” he said. “That will have a radical effect on our industry, and it will be in years, not decades.

“We have to shape up how we sell these products; we have to change.”

Claire Shand, managing director of Westgate Labs, which carries out parasite diagnostics, said using faecal counts can reduce wormer use by about 80%.

“There’s absolutely no place any more for routine worming,” she said. “The humble egg count is the cornerstone of testing; they’re cheap, simple and we try to make them as easy for owners to use as we can. And we use them to maintain the efficacy of the womers we do need to give.”

Ms Shand added that appropriate dosing is also key, for horses who do need to be wormed, as not giving enough for a horse’s weight also contributes to resistance.

“All horses need good parasite control, and it’s future generations we need to do this for, and so we can keep grazing horses on our fields into the future,” she said. “My question is: what will you do when the wormers stop working?”

Vet medicine company accused of ‘putting short-term profits above equine welfare’

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 17:29:14 +0000

An animal-medicines company accused of “putting short-term profits above equine welfare” by promoting cheap wormers has promised to review its future communications.

VetUK sent out an email with the subject line “Horse wormers from £4.33”, with a selection of different brands with prices highlighted and links to “shop now”. There was no advice on appropriate worming programmes and the need to carry out faecal worm egg counts, nor the dangers of growing resistance to wormers included in the message.

David Rendle, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s health and medicines committee, told H&H: “It is exceedingly disappointing to see de-wormers being advertised in this way by companies who are apparently putting their short-term profits above equine welfare and the long-term effectiveness of these products.

“We now have resistance to every class of de-wormer and it is grossly irresponsible to be promoting these products based on their low cost.”

Mr Rendle said the products should only be used when there has been “careful consideration of the risk of clinical disease and appropriate diagnostic testing”.

“Cost should not be a factor in deciding which product to use and when to use it,” he said. “Antibacterial drugs would never be advertised in this way so why is it acceptable for de-wormers? Resistant worms pose a far more immediate threat to equine welfare than resistant bacteria.

“Is the equine industry ever going to wake up to the threat that resistant parasites pose to equine welfare and the future viability of the industry?”

H&H has long reported on the issue of wormer resistance, and that owners must take urgent evasive action. It has been recommended since 1985 that horses should not be wormed routinely, and it is thought that if all horse owners turn to targeted worming – using the drugs only when needed, which can be determined through diagnostic testing including faecal worm egg counts and other tests – this could decrease the drugs’ use by 80%.

A Vet UK spokesman told H&H: “Here at VetUK, we understand the importance of horse owners responsibly using wormers, at the correct dose rate and during the correct season.

“However, we regret not reiterating advice in the communication email encouraging owners to carry out worm egg counts to determine whether wormers are needed, or highlighting the dangers of resistance caused by worming when it isn’t needed.

“As a result, we will be reviewing our communications to ensure this advice is given.”

Owner warning: risk of fatal disease increases if wrong wormer used

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:37:42 +0000

Owners are urged to ensure they choose the right wormer this winter – or increase the risk of potentially fatal disease.

Products that specifically target encysted small redworm must be used at this time of year, to treat the parasites in their dormant stage.

“You may think any wormer will do for the treatment of the dangerous encysted small redworm but using one that does not specifically treat the encysted stages during late autumn or winter can actually increase the risk of a horse with a high encysted small redworm burden developing larval cyathostominosis, which can be fatal,” said Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot.

All horses aged over six months should be blood-tested by a vet to check for the presence of encysted small redworm, or wormed with a product licensed to treat this stage of the parasite, regardless of their faecal worm egg count results.

“It’s imperative that the wormer used is indicated for encysted small redworm,” Ms Talbot said.

“This is because wormers such as those containing ivermectin, pyrantel or single-dose fenbendazole will remove the adult stages of small redworm from the gut, which then leaves room for the encysted stages in the gut wall to emerge and take their place. It is this en-masse emergence that can cause severe damage to the gut, resulting in clinical signs such as diarrhoea, colic and even death.”

Moxidectin is the only active ingredient licensed to treat encysted small redworm in a single dose; it acts against the encysted stages before they have a chance to emerge from the gut wall.

A five-day course of fenbendazole is also licensed to treat encysted small redworm but there is widespread evidence of small redworm resistance to fenbendazole, including the five-day dose, so a resistance test is recommended before using it.

“A practical and cost-effective solution to targeting parasites of concern over winter may be to combine a bot treatment with encysted small redworm and tapeworm treatments using a single dose of moxidectin and praziquantel,” Ms Talbot said.

Owners are advised always to seek the advice of a vet or medicines prescriber.

Horse & Hound’s essential guide to worms and deworming

Carol Phillips — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:30:20 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The recommendations around worming horses have changed significantly, so make sure you’re up to date with the latest best practice to keep your horses healthy

It is inevitable that every grazing horse will pick up different types of parasitic worms from their environment. Under normal conditions, the horse’s immune system keeps the worm burden in the gut low – and it is important to understand that it is healthy and normal for a horse to carry a small worm burden as that helps the horse to develop immunity.

However, it is also important to monitor this burden and treat horses that have above recommended levels of intestinal parasites if horses are to maintain good health. If the horse’s immune system fails, or if the horse is exposed to high numbers of worms, the intestinal worm burden can become excessive, which can be life-threatening. Worm-related gut damage can lead to colic, diarrhoea and other significant on-going and long-term problems for the horse, even after the worms have been treated.

While young horses tend to be more susceptible to worm-related problems, horses of all ages can be affected.

Types of horse worms

Internal equine parasites that are cause for concern include:

Small strongyles (small redworms)
Large strongyles (large redworm)
Tapeworms
Roundworms (ascarids)
Pinworm

Small strongyles

There are many different species of small redworm. They can be either red or white in colour and measure 0.5cm to 2.5cm in length, which means they can actually be a similar size to large redworms.

The adult worms live in the horse’s hindgut (caecum and colon) where they can cause inflammation and ulceration. The adults lay numerous eggs in the gut, which pass out of the horse in faeces. Once on the ground they hatch into larvae in the droppings and transfer on to pasture, where horses eat them while grazing. In warm, moist conditions, it can take as little as one to three weeks for eggs to develop into larvae outside the horse. Once back inside the horse the larvae burrow into the wall of the large intestine where they develop further before emerging as mature egg-laying small redworms six to 12 weeks later and the cycle continues. Larvae that remain on grazing land can survive a mild UK winter, although they will be killed by heavy frosts.

In autumn some small redworm larvae will enter an encysted phase, which means they remain dormant in the gut wall for a longer period, before emerging en mass in late winter or early spring. This condition is called larval cyathostominosis. This causes severe diarrhoea and colic, and has a mortality rate of up to 50%. A horse with larval cyathostominosis will require urgent treatment in the form of fluids, medication to control the diarrhoea and steroids to reduce gut inflammation, as well as a suitable deworming product to remove the encysted larvae. One challenge is that most dewormers are not effective in treating these encysted larvae, with treatments containing moxidectin thought to be the most efficacious. Horses that survive may take two to three months to fully recover. If the horse is sharing its pasture with other (particularly young) horses, then you should contact your vet to discuss their treatment as aggressive deworming could trigger the disease in more animals.

Large strongyles

Adult large redworm (Strongylus vulgaris) are red in colour and measure 1.4cm to 2.5cm in length. These are now believe to be rare.

They live in the horse’s large intestine, attached to the gut wall. The adult worms lay eggs that pass out of the horse and develop into larvae, which grazing horses then eat. Once back inside the horse, the larvae burrow through the gut wall into the arteries of the intestines. Some species migrate to the liver and the abdominal cavity. They then return to the large intestine where they develop into egg-laying adults. The life cycle takes around six months. Large redworm larvae can survive winter outside the horse.

The damage caused by adult large redworms living in the hind gut can lead to loss of blood and protein, while the chemicals the worms release also affect the natural movement of the gut. The migrating larvae can cause inflammation within the blood vessels and lead to the formation of blood clots, which can affect the blood supply to sections of the intestine, leading to serious colic and death in some cases. Migrating larvae can also cause hepatitis and peritonitis.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) can be yellow, grey, green, cream or white in colour and the adults can be up to 8cm by 1.2cm in size.

The adult tapeworms live where the small and large intestine meet in the horse. They cause inflammation and can decrease the natural gut movement. The adult tapeworms release segments full of eggs that pass out of the horse on to pasture. These are eaten by the forage mite before the eggs hatch and larvae start to develop inside the mite. Horses then ingest the mites while grazing and the larvae develop into adults over the next six to 10 weeks while inside the horse. The complete life cycle of the tapeworm is around five to six months.

While some horses will carry tapeworms while showing no signs, large burdens can cause problems, including spasmodic colic, particularly in young horses. A very heavy burden can block the area at the end of the small intestine, leading to a potentially fatal rupture of the gut wall.

Roundworms

Roundworms or ascarids (Parascaris equorum) are large white worms that can grow up to 50cm in length. They live in the small intestine of young horses (typically foals, yearlings and two-year-olds).

These worms produce vast numbers of eggs that travel through the gut on to pasture. The microscopic eggs can also stick to a mare’s udder and be ingested by foals while nursing. Larvae develop inside the eggs, then once inside the horse’s stomach they hatch and burrow through the wall of the small intestine. They enter the hepatic vein and travel to the liver, where they remain for seven to 10 days before progressing to the lungs, where they develop for a further two to three weeks. While damage done to the liver is rarely serious because it can regenerate, damage caused to the lungs by these parasites can be more serious as the lungs produce scar tissue in the healing process. Once the larvae have matured, they move into the air sacks of the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed back into the gut. When they reach the small intestine they develop into adult roundworms. This cycle takes around three months, while eggs can remain viable outside the horse for a number of years.

A heavy roundworm burden can cause a blockage of the gut, which may require emergency surgery to resolve. Such a blockage may occur, when a horse with a large infestation is treated and the worms die internally.

Pinworm

Pinworms (Oxyuris equi) are white in colour and the females can be up to 150mm long with a long thin pin-like tail (hence the name). Males are much smaller at just 9-12mm in length.

Pinworms have a much less complicated life cycle than most other equine parasites. They live in the horse’s colon and the females crawl out of the horse’s anus then deposit eggs in a sticky fluid on to the skin. The eggs then drop off into the horse’s stable or field or stick to nearby surfaces such as stable walls, managers and field fences. If eaten by a horse they develop into larvae and then adult worms as they pass through the horse’s gut before settling in the colon.

Other internal equine parasites include:

Threadworm (Strongyloides westeri) – this is a very small worm that can cause diarrheoa in young foals
Bots (Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis) – the adult flies lay eggs on the horse’s skin during the summer months
Lungworm (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) – mainly found in donkeys
Neck threadworm (Oncocerca spp) – a very thin worm that lives in the nuchal ligament in the horse’s neck

Signs of worms in horses

A horse with a significant worm burden may sometimes, but not always, appear “poor” with a pot-bellied appearance and may have a rough coat that is not easily shed in the spring. Weight loss, loose droppings, diarrhoea and colic can all be signs that a horse is suffering from worms.

Young horses are more susceptible to worms and may not grow as well as expected if parasite levels are not controlled. In cases of roundworm, young horses may cough and have nasal discharge in addition to the other common signs.

Horses with pinworm may suffer irritation around the tail area and cause themselves injury while trying to relieve the itch.

Testing for horse worms

Equine parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to the active ingredients used in equine deworming products (anthelmintics), so it is now strongly recommended that owners test for the presence of worms before deworming their horses, rather than simply treating for particular worms at set times of the year. By testing and then only treating horses when necessary, owners can help prevent more worms from developing resistance to the limited range of deworming products we have available to us.

A faecal worm egg count (FEC) test will show the presence of many adult worms, but not tapeworm, encysted small redworm, pinworm or migrating roundworm larvae. Despite this the test does give a clear indication of the level of infection. The test involves a sample of a horse’s droppings being mixed with saline and examined under a microscope where the number and type of eggs are counted and identified. The result is given as number of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG).

Because worm eggs are not equally distributed among droppings, samples should be taken from multiple areas or balls of a fresh (ideally no more than four hours old) dropping and placed in a leak-proof container with the air squeezed out for transit. If you are sending your sample by post, it is recommended to avoid doing so on a Friday or over the weekend as any delay in the test could affect the accuracy of the result. Most equine vets will provide this service and then can advise with the local knowledge as to how best to manage parasites effectively.

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Repeated FEC tests can be used to assess worm resistance to an anthelmintic (deworming product). The FEC reduction test involves doing a worm egg count before administering an anthelmintic (to confirm it is required), and then another 10 to 14 days later. If the dewormer is working, the second count should have reduced by at least 95%; if there are resistant worms, the count will not have reduced as much. If you think you may have resistant worms on your premises then do discuss the benefits of running this test with your vet.

Tapeworm can be tested for with either a blood test via your vet or a tapeworm saliva test that owners can do themselves and send off to get the results. A period of four months should be left between any treatment for tapeworm and testing.

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A new small redworm blood test is now available to identify burdens of small redworm, included those at the encysted stage in their life cycle. Speak to your vet if you like more information. If you are unable to run this test, it is recommended horses are treated to remove encysted small redworm in early winter each year, ideally after a period of consecutive days when the outside temperatures have dropped below zero.

If you suspect your horse is suffering from pinworm, eggs can be collected from skin around the tail area on a piece of cellophane tape, which can then be examined under a microscope.

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Treating horse worms

We should not attempt to eliminate every worm from every horse. It is healthier for the horse and all his herd mates to maintain a low level of worms in the gut, and important to maintain a population of worms that are still susceptible to the different anthelmintic drugs. Aiming for zero worm counts can result in increased resistance among the worm population.

Foals: All foals pick up worms, and it is appropriate to give anthelmintics to youngsters up to the age of 18 months at three- to four-monthly periods (be aware that moxidectin should not be used in a foal less than four months old).

FECs are useful in foals to determine whether roundworms or small strongyles are the predominant worms present; this helps determine which anthelmintic to use due to differing resistance patterns (for example, fenbendazole to treat ascarids; pyrantel, ivermectin or moxidectin to treat small redworms).

Adult horses: With older horses, worming should be undertaken only when tests show a horse is carrying a specific worm burden of a level that requires action. Horses with a low worm burden do not necessarily require treatment – it is no longer recommended to treat all horses with worms as a low worm burden may help the horse to gain immunity. Your vet or a suitably qualified professional (SQP) will be able to advise you on what levels are acceptable and which require action to be taken.

New arrivals: When a new horse joins your establishment, a faecal worm egg count test should be done immediately to find out what burden they are carrying. If their burden exceeds 200 to 300 eggs per gram, then they should be dewormed using appropriate anthelmintics, in accordance with your vet’s advice.

Pinworm and roundworm can be problematic to treat and have a tendency to recur, so it is best to ask your vet, who will have local knowledge regarding the levels of resistance in your area, for advice.

Other important considerations

Before deworming your horse, use a weight tape or weigh bridge to find out your horse’s actual weight. Do not guess. It is important that you give the correct amount of a relevant dewormer to treat the worms you are looking to target. If you guess your horse’s weight you risk under-dosing, which could lead to the worms currently affecting your horse developing a resistance to the active ingredients, making it more difficult to remove them in future.

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The regular (at least weekly) removal of droppings from turnout paddocks and grazing land is a highly effective way of preventing the infective stages of worms passing from a fresh pile of droppings on to the surrounding grass and thereby on to other horses. As the medications become less effective, this time-consuming task is recognised as an increasingly beneficial part of worm control.

Avoid overstocking paddocks with large numbers of horses; rotate and rest paddocks to allow grass to recover; and alternate horses with grazing cattle and sheep – these actions will all help reduce worm infestations on grassland.

Horse wormers: active ingredients

Not all dewormers (anthelmintics) are effective against all types of worms so if your horse does need worming make sure the brand of wormer you choose contains the correct active ingredients for the worms you are looking to treat, as well as taking into account the likelihood of resistance in the worms being carried by the animals you are treating.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fenbendazole/Mebendazole: these are less commonly used for worming as there is confirmed resistance to them. A five-day course of a fenbendazole-based wormer can be given between October and March to remove small redworm encysted larvae.

Pyrantel: this ingredient is effective against most adult roundworms and needs to be administered at twice the standard dose when being used for the treatment of tapeworm.

Ivermectin: lvermectin-based wormers are effective against both larval and adult stages of small redworms as well as pinworms, intestinal threadworms, stomach worms, lungworms, neck threadworms, ascarids and bots. Unfortunately there are increasing reports of worms being resistant to Ivermectin.

Moxidectin: this ingredient is recommended as more effective against encysted developing small redworm larvae as well as large redworm, pinworms, intestinal threadworms, ascarids (adult and larval stages) and will also treat bots.

Praziquantel: this ingredient is effective against all three known species of equine tapeworm in a single dose. It is not effective against other worm types.

Equine deworming products can be purchased from vets, via online pharmacies and over the counter at equestrian retailers that have an AMTRA SQP [Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority suitably qualified person] on the staff. You may be asked to show your horse’s passport when purchasing deworming products.

How did worms become resistant to dewormers?

The first modern anthelmintics were developed in the 1970s, with the introduction of fenbendazole. This was followed by pyrantel, ivermectin and moxidectin, among others, leading to the development of paste dewormers which owners could administer themselves.

Thanks to this, worm control was much easier, and, for a time, more effective. Worms have fought back, however, by developing resistance to anthelmintics. Like all living things, worms are subject to natural selection – so-called survival of the fittest. In any population there will be many that will be killed by the anthelmintic, but also a small group that are naturally resistant to its effects.

Over time, only resistant worms survive the repeated deworming treatments and these contaminate the pasture with worm eggs that give rise to yet more resistant worms. By regularly administering anthelmintics, we have created a situation where there is a rapidly growing population of worms that are resistant to many of the drugs.

Additional reporting by Dr Tim Mair FRCVS. See Vet Clinic published in Horse & Hound magazine (17 June 2021)

Vet offers free jabs and wormers to riding schools hit hard by lockdown

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 07:06:34 +0000

A veterinary practice in Wales is offering free visits, vaccinations and wormers to riding schools hit hard by lockdown restrictions.

Abbey Equine Clinic in Abergavenny, south Wales, is offering a package to its clients, with the support of pharmaceutical companies.

County council-registered riding schools that are clients of the practice will each be given a voucher for a free visit, three equine flu and tetanus vaccinations and three wormers, to be used this month or next.

A spokesman for the practice said it wanted to do something to help its riding school clients during a very tough time.

“Most of us have happy memories of learning to ride on riding school ponies as children,” added clinic director Emma Jones MRCVS.

“Running the practice throughout lockdown has been hard, but nothing compared to the financial strain these riding establishments have been under, with all the overheads and none of the income. Organising this support has been something practical we can do to help.”

Article continues below…

(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

‘Please help’: owner of struggling riding school appeals to H&H readers in time of crisis

(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

‘I can’t bear to think of closing’: riding school’s £15,000 monthly costs with no income highlights lockdown reality

‘I’m trying so hard to be positive but I go home at night and think ‘What the hell am I

(Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

H&H has reported on how badly riding schools have been affected by the coronavirus lockdown restrictions during the past year, especially the current one as they have all their usual winter costs but no income, and Abbey hopes measures like this scheme may help them survive.

The spokesman said: “This was only possible with the generous support of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Chanelle and Vet Plus, thank you.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus there are options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as a range of other benefits.

Less frequent but targeted worming could help prevent welfare ‘catastrophe’

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:17:23 +0000

More evidence has emerged to indicate that reducing worming frequency does not typically have a negative effect on horses’ health, and may help prevent an “equine welfare crisis”.

Leading equine parasitologist Martin Nielsen’s research supports the move away from the traditional approach, of frequent worming without diagnostic testing.

Dr Nielsen’s study involved 99 mares and 93 foals at stud farms in New Zealand. Researchers evaluated the worm egg counts, weight and health of groups of horses under different parasite control programmes.

They found no significant difference in egg counts between the mares wormed routinely at different set intervals, and those only wormed when counts exceeded a certain level. The foals who were wormed at two and five months old had significantly more ascarid (roundworm) and strongyle (redworm) eggs than those wormed monthly with alternate products, but all the horses were healthy.

“De-worming every six to eight weeks and rotating between products is still very common around the world but this sort of carpet-bombing is completely unnecessary and drug rotation does not prevent drug resistance,” Dr Nielsen said, adding that the persistent and growing resistance to the anti-parasitic drugs available to horse owners is “challenging us to find more sustainable and yet effective parasite control programmes”.

“Many people are not comfortable with de-worming less frequently, thinking it will compromise horse health, but our study shows that this is not the case; no adverse health effects were seen that could be ascribed to scaling down de-worming intensity.”

Dr Nielsen told H&H the aim of any worming programme should not be to eradicate worms, but to reduce the risk of parasitic disease, and that it is natural for horses to have worms.

“The worms are supposed to be there, just like horses also harbour lots of bacteria in their intestinal tracts – yet we don’t go around treating them with antibiotics all the time,” he said. “This study demonstrated that all horses (foals as well as mares) were healthy, and no differences were observed between the groups during the study. And that is what matters.

“Just treating at fixed and frequent intervals with no testing is the equivalent of fumbling in the dark. You will have no idea of what you are doing.”

Dr Nielsen has created videos on the subject, one for vets and one for owners, above, which the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is sharing to help spread the word.

BEVA health and medicines committee chairman David Rendle said: “This study provides further evidence to show that there is no justification for the traditional approach of calendar-based routine treatment and gives further reassurance that the frequency of treatment can be reduced without detriment to equine health or development of youngstock.

Continues below…

Zoetis, Worming. (Image credit: Future)

Stark warning of more colic deaths unless owners act to avoid worming ‘Armageddon’

‘We’re on a slippery slope, and what’s at the bottom is not an appealing picture’

(Image credit: Future)

“Spreading this information will hopefully encourage any horse owners who have not done so already to change from their old-fashioned habits of frequent de-worming to a diagnostic test-led, or at least a more strategic approach with routine drug-resistance testing.

“In so doing we can help avert the potential equine welfare crisis that all are agreed will inevitably ensue if the equine industry continues with the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics [de-wormers]. I would urge anyone who has not discussed worming with their vets recently to do so before the spring.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

The Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 29 – Katy Marriott-Payne on Olympia | Winter worming | News round-up

Carol Phillips — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:45:43 +0000

In our 29th weekly episode of the first series of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s showing editor Alex Robinson chats to showing producer Katy Marriott-Payne about her three Olympia M&M champions. Moving on to the week’s top news stories, our news team join our podcast host Pippa Roome to discuss an exciting change at Badminton, temperatures when transporting horses, and attempts to stamp out the cruel practise of soring in the USA. We also catch up with vet Ricky Farr to talk about worming during the winter months.

Episode 29 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service available exclusively every Thursday morning for our H&H Plus subscribers, is now live.

Each episode is available for all H&H fans to listen to 24hrs after its early release to our H&H Plus members. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

In episode 29, native pony specialist and three-time Olympia M&M champion Katy Marriott-Payne talks to H&H showing editor Alex Robinson about her Olympia highlights and her thoughts on the changes that the competition has undergone in recent years.

“It takes three goes at Olympia before you know what’s going on and how to prepare for it as it’s a show like no other” – Katy Marriott-Payne

H&H podcast host Pippa Roome is joined by H&H news editor Eleanor Jones, senior news writer Lucy Elder and news writer Becky Murray to discuss some of the week’s key stories, including an exciting change at Badminton, why the European eventing championships won’t be going ahead next year, the rules around temperatures when transporting horses and attempts to stamp out the cruel practise of soring in the USA.

“Soring is intentionally injuring horses’ legs and hooves to produce the high stepping ‘big lick’ that is commonly seen at shows for Tenneesee walking horses – attempts are being made to stamp it out” – Eleanor Jones

In this week’s advice section we catch up with equine vet Ricky Farr of Farr & Pursey Equine about what worming challenges owners need to think about during the winter.

“There are lots of worms that can affect your horse – there are almost 50 species that could be in there…” – Ricky Farr MRCVS

We hope you will enjoy our latest episode and would love to hear your feedback, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

H&H Plus podcast: episode 29

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Months-old foal given 2% chance of survival fights back from the brink

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:01:38 +0000

The owner of a months-old foal who was given a 2% chance of survival owing to extensive damage by horse worms wants to share his story to give others hope.

Coloured colt Beau was thought to be about two months old when Jodie King bought him in September. He was sold at that age as his dam had rejected him, not allowing him to feed and continually chasing him away.

Jodie followed her vets’ advice on his care but by mid-November, he was unwell, and losing weight.

“I’d noticed he didn’t really interact with the others but thought, as did the vet, that he just didn’t know how to be a horse, as he’d only ever been chased off and shoved,” she told H&H.

“He had loose stools and a cough, and seemed lethargic, so I got the vet.

“It was heartbreaking because the vet said ‘he’s at breaking point now. The odds have always been against him but he’ll either survive or he won’t; he’ll get better or he’ll die’. It was absolutely gut-wrenching.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The vet put Beau on a probiotic and told Jodie to monitor him for a month but two days later, he took a turn for the worse.

“He was freezing cold, lying down and with no appetite,” Jodie said. “I wrapped rugs round him and called the emergency vet. I couldn’t wait as I didn’t think he’d make it.”

Tests showed that Beau, who had likely never nursed and so not benefited from any of his dam’s immunity, had a large roundworm burden, which was causing major issues. Roundworms are a notorious problem in foals, not least owing to issues of resitance to many common wormers. Parasites can persist despite treatment, causing issues, as happened in this case.

“The vet treated him but said she couldn’t give him more than a 2% chance of survival,” Jodie said. “She gave him the treatment and said ‘it’s up to him now’.”

Jodie appealed on social media for cheap rugs for Beau but the first “seller” took her money and did not send the rugs.

“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “So many people offered to send rugs. A lot of time there’s tit for tat in the equestrian community but when something like this happens, people come together.”

Jodie, who said when Beau no longer needs the rugs, she will either return them or pass them on to someone in a similar situation, said the colt is improving; eating and no longer coughing.

“A few days ago, he cantered for the first time; it made me cry,” she said. “I couldn’t give up on him because he was willing to fight, so I had to fight for him. We were each other’s reason to keep going.”

Jodie’s vets warned that Beau may have issues in future owing to the worm damage.

“I haven’t got thousands to pay for a foal who might not get better,” she said. “But you can’t put a price on his life; I’ll do whatever it takes.

Continues below…

(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

Stark warning of more colic deaths unless owners act to avoid worming ‘Armageddon’

‘We’re on a slippery slope, and what’s at the bottom is not an appealing picture’

(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

Owners urged to take action over potentially fatal parasite

(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

Jodie hopes her story will give hope to anyone else in a similar situation.

“He is proof that if you know your horse isn’t ready to give up the fight, then keep fighting that fight for them,” she said. “He is a horse of a lifetime and I really hope he will live a long and healthy life full of love, enjoyment and a bond like no other.

“Slowly he will learn what it means to really be a horse but I will be there with him every step of the way, and show him I will never give up on him. He will only know love for the rest of his life, and even if I can never ride him, he won’t go anywhere.

“I couldn’t have got through this without my family, friends and the overwhelming support from social media. People who were once strangers are like little guardian angels for my boy and I will for ever be grateful so thank you all.”

Worming programmes should always be discussed with a vet as wormer resistance is a major issue.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stark warning of more colic deaths unless owners act to avoid worming ‘Armageddon’

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 17:12:38 +0000

Horse owners may be facing an “Armageddon” of wormer resistance if we do not take urgent evasive action.

This is the message from Dave Rendle, equine internal medicine specialist, speaking as part of a session on human behaviour change, at the 2020 National Equine Forum yesterday (5 March).

While fellow speakers had covered owners’ attitudes to colic and strangles, and how these may be changed, Mr Rendle covered what he believes is “one of the most alarming issues facing the industry”.

“I hope I can convince you of the importance of this,” he said, explaining that resistant parasites are those on which drugs are no longer effective.

“Resistance develops because parasites are subject to natural selection, like all living things, and as we impose selection pressure on them by killing susceptible ones, it’s the ones that aren’t susceptible to the drug that reproduce. The more we worm, the more resistance we get.”

Mr Rendle said wormers were developed in the 1960s and by 1985, it had been highlighted that routine worming needed to stop. Over the next decades, evidence emerged of resistance in horse worms to every class of wormer we have available.

“We’ve still got that resistance as it doesn’t go away, but for the first time, we don’t have any more classes of drug to turn to,” he said.

“We’re on a slippery slope, and what’s at the bottom is not an appealing picture.”

Mr Rendle said if all horse owners turned to targeted worming – using the drugs only when needed, which can be determined through diagnostic testing including faecal worm egg counts – this could decrease the drugs’ use by 80%. But he said concerned vets often fail to engage with owners of large numbers of horses, such as producers and breeders, who “don’t think resistance will have an impact on their animals”.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Future)

Warnings over use of wormers to treat headshaking

Riders have been advised against a treatment being promoted on social media and in forums

(Image credit: Future)

How changing our habits could improve horses’ lives H&H Plus

He said in Sweden and Denmark, where wormers have become prescription-only drugs, their use has dropped dramatically, and urged the UK industry to work together to decrease our own use.

“I see an Armageddon on the horizon that I’m anxious to avert but I fear we’re facing a point of diminishing returns,” he said.

“There are difficult questions ahead but we need to think smart, embrace diagnostics and start educating people, or we’ll find ourselves back in the 1950s with reduced stock capacity – and more and more horses dying of colic.”

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New blood test for encysted small redworm to launch this autumn

Becky Murray — Fri, 09 Aug 2019 15:18:19 +0000

A new blood test which can diagnose encysted small redworm burdens will launch in September.

The test, which will be available to horse owners via their vets, can diagnose all stages of the small redworm life cycle – including the encysted larval stage, which has previously been undetectable.

A spokesman for Austin Davis Biologics (ADB), who have launched the test and also produce the Equisal tapeworm saliva test, said: “Until now it has not been possible to test for encysted small redworm as faecal egg counts only detect the presence of egg-laying adult worms. This has meant that a routine winter treatment to target this life cycle phase has become the recommended practice.

“Small redworms are the most common gastrointestinal parasites to infect horses. When horses harbour a large burden of encysted larvae that emerge on mass from the intestinal wall clinical signs develop such as diarrhoea and colic, which can be fatal (larval cyathostominosis).”

Due to resistance in worms to the active ingredient fenbendazole, which has historically been used as a five-day course to target encysted small redworm, moxidectin is now the preferred choice of active ingredient to eliminate the encysted stage.

“To protect the effectiveness of moxidectin, targeted treatment programmes are required to ensure that the drug is only administered when it is really needed,” continued the spokesman. “The commercial availability of a diagnostic test to detect all intra-host stages of small redworm will be of great value to veterinarians enabling them to make a differential diagnosis as well as informed treatment decisions,” he said.

The test has been developed by Professor Jacqui Matthews’ group at the Moredun Research Institute, with the main funding being provided by the Horse Trust.

Article continued below…

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New encysted small redworm test: owners asked for help with final step

It is hoped the new test will prove a significant step forward in targeted treatment and preventing resistance to wormers

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Owners urged to take action over potentially fatal parasite

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Professor Mathews said: “It is great to see the commercialisation of this much-needed test to support sustainable worm control in horses. The test fills an important gap in our diagnostic toolbox and will enable horse owners to work with their veterinarians in targeting treatments against cyathostomin infections and hence help protect these important medicines for the future”

Dr Corrine Austin of ADB said research into a saliva-based test for small redworm is “ongoing” and is expected to be commercialised several years from now.

Vet practices can contact ADB at info@austindavis.co.uk to register interest in the diagnostic blood test service.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

New encysted small redworm test: owners asked for help with final step

Lucy Elder — Wed, 22 May 2019 06:01:49 +0000

Owners have been asked for their help in final evaluation of a new blood test for encysted small redworm.

Austin Davis Biologics, who provide EquiSal Tapeworm testing, is in the final stages of statistical analysis of a test that can detect the presence of the parasite (encysted cyathostomin).

The company hopes to have the test ready to launch later this year.

Dr Corrine Austin told H&H the test, which has been developed with funding from the Horse Trust, will be a positive step forward in worm control and targeted drug use.

“If we end up with large scale resistance to moxidectin, we are in trouble,” she said.

“We hope this test will mean we can protect the efficiency of moxidectin treatment and that we are only using that drug when it is really required.”

She added this is especially important as wormer resistance is an issue, so a test that can pinpoint which horses do — and which don’t — need treating is “very exciting”.

Austin Davis Biologics is searching for owners whose horses are having blood tests for other health reasons between now and the end of July who would be happy for an extra sample to be taken at the time.

They also need to be provided with faecal egg count results for that horse and for the whole yard. A history of faecal egg count data would also be helpful.

Article continues below…

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“We have been developing this with the Moredun Research Institute and this really is the final stage of evaluation,” added Dr Austin.

“We are wanting to look at the correlation between the faecal egg count data and the encysted blood test results in a final screen to fully understand the use of it in the field.”

Dr Austin added owners will need to speak to their vets beforehand and the company can also provide pre-paid postage, collection tubes as well as consent forms.

For more information, contact enquiries@equisal.com

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Owners urged to take action over potentially fatal parasite

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 07:06:07 +0000

Owners have been urged to treat horses for encysted small redworm before spring – or risk possibly fatal consequences.

A number of recent cases of serious disease caused by severe encysted small redworm infections have been reported, prompting Wendy Talbot, vet for animal health company Zoetis, to speak out.

The parasitic horse worm is ingested during grazing, then larvae survive in autumn and winter by burrowing into the walls of the intestine. Here they form cysts and their development pauses as they “hibernate” over the winter.

In spring, the larvae can erupt from their dormant state, to carry on their development, in large numbers. This causes damage to the walls of the intestine, which can lead to diarrhoea, weight loss and colic. The condition, larval cyathostominosis, can be fatal.

“Over the past few weeks I have heard of a number of cases of larval cyathostominosis,” Ms Talbot said. “Unfortunately people think their horses are safe from this parasite if they have had a recent, negative faecal worm egg count but this absolutely is not the case.

“Because encysted small redworm are hibernating, they won’t show in faecal worm egg counts. A horse could actually have a burden of several million encysted small redworm larvae yet show a negative or low count.”

There is no test for encysted small redworm, and all horses aged six months and over should be dosed for it, in late autumn or winter, and “certainly before spring”.

The two active ingredients licensed to treat encysted small redworm are a single dose of moxidectin or a five-day course of fenbendazole.

But there is widespread evidence of small redworm resistance to fenbendazole, so a resistance test is recommended before using it. Moxidectin is highly effective against adult small redworm including encysted larvae.

“It’s imperative to use the right worming product,” Ms Talbot said. “Treating with a wormer that does not specifically target the encysted stages (ivermectin, pyrantel or single dose fenbendazole) during late autumn and winter can actually increase the risk of a horse with a high encysted small redworm burden developing larval cyathostominosis.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

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Scientists are working on a test for encysted redworm using saliva samples

(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

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(Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

Owners are advised to discuss worming programmes and products with a vet or SQP (suitably qualified person) animal medicines advisor.

Cyathostominosis can occur in horses of any age, but there is a higher risk in horses under six. Cases usually involve “a history of poor pasture management”, as not poo-picking regularly can expose grazing horses to high levels of small redworms.

“It’s important to note that cyathostominosis can happen despite previous wormer administration, especially if the wormer is not effective against larval stages,” Ms Talbot said.

“Early clinical signs of cyathostominosis include poor weight gain and general ill-thrift at any time of year but particularly over the winter. If your horse has any clinical signs it is important that you contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.

“More advanced signs of disease include the onset of colic and diarrhoea, by which time the condition is already quite advanced. It is imperative any horse showing these signs is assessed by a vet as soon as possible and the appropriate treatment is given.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Riders should take horses’ passports to buy wormers, government states

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 13:03:24 +0000

Horse owners and yard managers have been advised to take their horses’ passports with them when buying wormers and other medicines.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has issued a guidance update stating that prescribers should ask to see passports before they supply the products.

But although owners have been advised they may be asked to show the document, not having it does not mean they cannot be sold the medicine.

Stephen Dawson of the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) said: “It’s important to note that while we are encouraging owners to bring their passports along, not bringing them doesn’t prevent the horse being wormed or benefiting from other medicines.

“It just means that if the vet, pharmacist or AMTRA SQP [suitably qualified person] prescribing and supplying medicines has not recently seen the horse’s passport and been able to confirm personally that it has been signed out of the food chain, they have to act accordingly.

“As the horse is a food-producing species under EU law, then without the passport it must be assumed the horse may enter the food chain, and the wormer or other medicine chosen accordingly.”

Mr Dawson added that some medicines cannot be supplied without sight of a passport as they are only suitable for horses who have been signed out of the food chain.

“But most horse medicines are okay to prescribe in either case, so it’s just a question of the range to choose from being a bit smaller,” he added.

An AMTRA spokesman added that AMTRA SQPs have a legal requirement to ascertain the status of any animal before they prescribe or supply medicines.

“The update is simply reinforcing this existing requirement,” he said. “The current status of the horse is determined by checking the declaration in the passport. While the owner will be able to advise the medicines prescriber of the horse’s status, the updated guidance clarifies that AMTRA SQPs should only rely on the passport’s declaration when they have seen it personally.

Continues below…

Zoetis, Worming. (Image credit: ©Steve Bardens)

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“Where livery yards buy in bulk on behalf of owners, presenting multiple passports is not likely to be practical, so prescribers will again choose from medicines which can be safely and legally given to horses that might enter the food chain.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Mare put down after ‘dozens of huge roundworm’ found in her intestines

Becky Murray — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 11:01:36 +0000

A vet has urged owners to be aware of worming horses correctly after a mare with a huge ascarid (large roundworm) worm burden had to be put down.

Doug Thal DVM DABVP of Thal Equine in Santa Fe, US, and creator of the Horse Side Vet Guide told H&H the four-year-old a mare was referred to his clinic with signs of colic.

“She came in and we had to put her on the surgery table, she had a twist of the entire small intestine and I untwisted it. When I opened the intestine to empty it, I found these parasites,” Dr Thal said, adding that he took out 15 roundworms 25 to 45cm in length during surgery, then another 20 came out of a stomach tube over the next few days. The mare underwent surgery again on day three, when it was found a piece of the intestine had died and she had to be put down.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“These are typically a parasite seen only in young horses, but the mare was four,” he said. “By two years old, the immune system typically eliminates ascarids, so seeing these numbers in an adult horse is very rare. I’ve seen horses die from not being wormed, or not being wormed properly. This was the first time I had ever seen such a clear resistance situation.”

In this case Dr Thal said the mare, who is thought to have had a rare immune tolerance to the parasites, had been “aggressively de-wormed”.

“If anything, she had been over-wormed. She was apparently being wormed every five weeks on a rotation with ivermectin and other wormers, and yet the worms were still in her small intestine,” said Dr Thal. “I cannot prove that the parasites were the reason she had the intestinal twist, and were related to the reason she had to be euthanised, but I can’t help think that this contributed.”

Dr Thal said some owners are worming incorrectly due to misinformation.

“People are taking these powerful chemicals and using them randomly, over and over. There are ultimately going to be consequences to that [as the worms build up resistance to the chemicals],” he said. “People think they’re doing good by deworming, but often it’s based on misinformation. Simply throwing wormers at horses is not the right way to think about worming. My advice to people is to understand management to reduce worm burdens, and this requires understanding the basics of a typical worm cycle.

“Adult worms live in the intestines of the horse, eggs are laid. They pass out into the environment in the manure. Eggs mature on the pasture to an “infective” stage, and are re-ingested and the cycle repeats. By understanding this basic cycle, people can make better, more logical worming decisions.

“People should whenever possible pick up manure from paddocks and therefore prevent horses from re-ingesting worms through the manure. Or if horses are on pasture, use appropriate pasture rotation.”

(Image credit: Horse&Hound stock images)

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Although not relevant in this case, Dr Thal warned owners to seek professional advice before considering alternative worming methods.

“The horse industry is fraught with people who use faulty logic and are not afraid to confidently share their misinformation on social media. Their approach is ‘I did this for my one horse, my horse seems ok to me so this treatment must be effective – now I am going to spread the word to everyone I know that this works’. In the social media age in which we live, this effect is amplified by 1,000, and it can lead to widespread bad decision-making, and horses can suffer as a result.

“My main message is that people need to be careful, be sceptical and ask the right questions. When considering products, ask for scientific evidence. Work with your vet.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Health history unknown: rehabilitating horses in poor condition H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 09:00:16 +0000

Acquiring a horse who has clearly had a setback in care — with the aim of restoring him to full health — can be hazardous.

Often, it cannot easily be determined why the horse has fallen into his present state and whether those issues can be fully remedied. If a horse is found to be thin and debilitated at a veterinary pre-purchase examination (PPE), the largely external nature of this examination, taken with the often unreliable dietary and veterinary history supplied by the owner, can place the examining vet in a difficult position when advising the client as to whether or not he will recover.

Certainly, if you are thinking of buying such a horse, a PPE is highly desirable. This will include a detailed inspection of the horse’s teeth, and maybe also a blood test to investigate any debilitating illnesses that might be present.

If you do decide to take on a horse with an unknown history, or a youngster who arrives looking less than a picture of health, a good first question would be: “Is he wormy?”

Although parasites, principally redworms, are an important cause of debility in adult horses, determining whether they are responsible for failure to thrive in an individual case can be difficult. Contrary to a widely held belief, there is no correlation between the faecal worm egg count (often erroneously called a “worm count”) and the number of worms in the horse. Horses with high egg counts may be healthy, but are an important source of infection for other horses. Conversely, those with a large burden of encysted redworm larvae may have low counts or even be completely negative. Tapeworm will often also go undetected.

Horses who are persistently thin are often described as “worm damaged”. There is actually no evidence that even a severe parasitic colitis (an inflammation of the colon lining), if the horse survives it, causes any irreparable damage. With good aftercare and correct nutrition, an affected horse can make a full recovery.

If no information on the horse’s worming history is available, the likelihood of the presence of a heavy burden may have to be inferred from his background — perhaps he has come from heavily stocked premises, for example, with overgrazing and poor management.

Treatment, based on veterinary advice, may be needed. However, it must be administered with care in the winter if there is a chance that the horse is heavily infected with encysted redworm larvae. The sudden killing of these parasites might provoke an adverse reaction.

It may be prudent for the horse to receive anti-inflammatory medication at the same time as being treated with moxidectin, the wormer of choice in this situation. Although a five-day course of fenbendazole is marketed for the treatment of encysted redworms, resistance to this 40-year-old drug is now widespread — and the inflammatory response, if it does work, is greater than with moxidectin.

A possible redworm burden must be treated with care to avoid a potential adverse reaction (Image credit: Penbode Equine Vets.)

Back to basics

Lice are common in malnourished, debilitated horses during winter and spring, unless the horse has been clipped. Itching of the neck, chest and buttocks is a giveaway sign.

The eggs, called nits, look like hayseeds but are attached to the hair shafts. Adult lice may also be seen if the hair is carefully parted, especially if this is done immediately after a rug is removed. Topical treatment should be given on veterinary advice, as some of the lice treatments sold in tack shops and feed stores are ineffective.

Overgrown, neglected feet must be corrected by trimming. Severe overgrowth should be removed in two or more stages, each around two weeks apart. The aim is to correct any excess growth, rebalance the foot to centralise the load into the centre, reduce any misshapen areas known as flares and address hoof cracks. A poorly shod horse may require repeated sessions with a skilled farrier over an extended period before his feet regain satisfactory function.

The horse should be observed eating hay prior to purchase, as if he has any difficulty in doing so that is significant. A full dental examination is mandatory at the PPE and allows a prognosis to be given. Sharp enamel points alone do not generally cause weight loss, unless accompanied by quidding (dropping unchewed feed) or abnormal salivation. It is often thought that “a good rasping” will improve a horse’s body condition, but this is rarely the case.

Soft or cowpat-style droppings should be regarded with suspicion in a thin horse. If dietary causes can be excluded, essentially eating either rich grass or soft, wet, low-fibre haylage, there may be an underlying inflammatory bowel problem which might prove difficult to resolve.

consult with your vet about an appropriate worming programme (Image credit: Penbode Equine Vets.)

Building condition

Assuming that all other health issues have been dealt with, it should be possible to put weight on a malnourished horse in around four to six weeks. Plenty of good summer grass, or the best- quality hay (soft, green and leafy) or haylage, fed ad-lib, should be the cornerstone of the new diet.

Any substantial increase in hard feed levels must be implemented gradually and carefully to gain maximum nutritional benefit without causing additional problems.

In order to keep the meal size small, at least three, or preferably four, feeds should be given over a 24-hour period.

It is logical not to ride the horse during his recovery, as some of the extra calories and protein provided will be diverted to provide the “fuel” for movement rather than rebuilding his body condition.

There is sometimes a reluctance to feed a horse adequately as there is a concern that this will make him more difficult to ride — although evidence that diet truly affects a horse’s temperament under saddle consult with your vet about an appropriate worming programme is almost entirely anecdotal. If this is a consideration, increased calories and protein can be provided by feeding high-calorie, fibre-based feeds, such as oil- fortified alfalfa combined with a feed balancer.

The horse’s body condition score should gradually improve, but this can be subjective and sometimes disheartening. Monthly weighing with a weight tape will allow his progress to be monitored more objectively. If there is no significant improvement in six weeks, seek further advice from your vet. In the majority of cases, there is no reason why a thin horse cannot be restored to a healthy state provided common heath issues are addressed. However, inevitably, a few of these horses are found upon further investigation to have persistent or unmanageable illnesses — and turn out to be a bad buy.

Case study

When the gamble pays off: annie Warren’s Missy arrived from Ireland in poor condition, but appropriate care allowed the pair to enjoy a season’s hunting six months later (Image credit: Penbode Equine Vets.)

Annie Warren bought five- year-old mare Missy unseen from a dealer in Ireland last spring.

“I wanted a horse to produce and bring on,” says Annie. “Missy looked great in the photos and videos I saw, but when she came off the lorry I was a bit shocked. She had travelled badly and was noticeably thin and tucked up.

“I had little by way of health history to work with, so I organised a veterinary assessment,” she adds. “Her hooves were good but quite long, so I had those properly trimmed. A week later she developed a bad respiratory infection and extensive ringworm. I was quite worried about her.”

After considerable veterinary input and a whole summer on good grass, Missy was finally restored to full health.

“I wasn’t really happy with her condition until the autumn,” says Annie, who hunted her successfully all winter. “By then she had put on weight and looked much better. I was so relieved that there were no long-term problems. Missy proved to me that with the right advice and feeding, you can make a huge difference to a horse who has had a bad start.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 8 March 2018

Owners warned to be on the alert for fatal parasite

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 12:52:25 +0000

A new video has been created to alert owners to the potential fatal effects of encysted small redworm.

The animation explains the life cycle of the small redworm, and the life-threatening damage it can do to horses.

The parasite is ingested during grazing, then larvae survive in autumn and winter by burrowing into the walls of the intestine. Here they form cysts and their development pauses as they “hibernate” over the winter.

Up to 90% of the small redworm in any horse could be these encysted parasites.

In spring, the larvae can erupt from their dormant state, to carry on their development, in large numbers. This causes damage to the walls of the intestine, which can lead to diarrhoea, weight loss and colic.

This condition, known as larval cyathostominosis, is fatal in up to 50% of cases. Any horse can be affected, with those under six particularly at risk.

Vet Wendy Talbot, of animal health company Zoetis which created the video, said: “Many horse owners may believe they know all they need to about worming but research shows a lack of understanding about the danger posed by encysted small redworm.

(Image credit: Horse&Hound stock images)

Horses at risk of death from worms: calls for owners to ‘ask for expert advice’

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“Unfortunately, once the horse shows symptoms of larval cyathostominosis it is a very difficult condition to treat effectively. The intention of our new video is to help owners get to grips with why encysted small redworm can cause serious harm to their horses and how important it is to take steps to prevent it by speaking to their vet or SQP [suitably qualified person] about worm control.”

Faecal worm egg counts will not detect encysted small redworm as the larvae do not produce eggs. Horses may be carrying several million of the encysted larvae and yet have a negative or low count.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Horses at risk of death from worms: calls for owners to ‘ask for expert advice’

Lucy Elder — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 15:56:56 +0000

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help” was the take-home message from equine internal medicine specialist Dr Wendy Talbot at the British Horse Society’s (BHS) welfare conference this week (20-21 September).

Parasite resistance and ongoing research into horse worms mean advice around deworming has changed a lot in recent years.

“I think something that is quite misunderstood is how serious this problem can be and how tricky it can be to sort out the right worming control programme for your horse,” said Dr Talbot.

“You certainly should not be afraid to ask what the most up-to-date advice is.”

During her presentation, Dr Talbot showed what can happen to any horse who is left with severe untreated worm burdens — or when parasites are treated too late.

This includes colic, weight loss and in severe cases, a ruptured gut and ultimately death.

Larval cyathostominosis, the emergence of encysted small redworm en masse from the gut lining, is fatal in 50% of cases.

Faecal worm egg counts cannot give an indication of whether a horse is suffering from encysted small redworm, so horses need to be treated for this in late autumn or early winter regardless. The presence of tapeworm also cannot be detected in faecal egg counts, although vets do offer blood and saliva tests.

Dr Talbot stressed pasture management as the “most important” preventative measure in avoiding horses building up major worm burdens.

“Get out there and pick up the droppings, ideally every day, but if not, twice weekly will still help,” she said.

Article continues below…

Dead colt ‘dumped like rubbish’ on road

Rachael Turner — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:50:44 +0000

The body of an emaciated horse has been found “dumped like rubbish” by the side of the road.

The piebald colt was found dead next to Lower Stock Road in West Hanningfield on Saturday (7 January) in an “extremely poor” condition with rope tied around his neck.

A witness said they saw a white pick-up truck pull up and leave the body there around 5.30pm.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It is difficult to know for sure how this horse died, but he was in a terrible state and would definitely have suffered before he died,” said RSPCA inspector Kate Fletcher.

“The horse was very young, probably just a year old, was suffering from diarrhoea, and emaciated. He looked as if he had had redworm and not been treated for it.

“The rope was likely put round his neck to drag him so he could be dumped like rubbish by the side of this road.

“We urge anyone with any information about how the horse died and how the body came to be dumped in this way to call us.

“Sadly it is not uncommon for horses to suffer from redworm at this time of year. This is easily treated, but if they are not they go downhill very quickly. We would like to remind all horse owners to de-worm their animals at this time of year.”

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 8018.

Related articles:

Treating worms in horses

Worming horses is an important part of every horse owner’s basic horse care routine. Internal parasites which are cause for concern include small strongyles (small redworms), large strongyles (large redworm), tapeworms, roundworms, pinworm and encysted small redworm.

Encysted small redworm are particular worrying. The larval stage of the small redworm bury into the lining of the gut, where they lie dormant. They can then develop and emerge en masse from the gut wall in the early spring, causing diarrhoea and colic, with a mortality rate of up to 50%.

It is not currently possible to test for encysted small redworm, although a new saliva test is under developement, so it is recommended that all horses are treated to remove these in late autumn or early winter to remove the associated risk. All other worming should be undertaken only when tests show a horse is carrying a specific worm burden.

How to reduce the serious risk of small redworms in horses

Horse & Hound — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 09:48:47 +0000

Small redworms in horses are from the parasite group cyathostomins and they are the most deadly of all the parasitic horse worms. An increasing resistance to medicinal wormers for horses is helping this deadly group to flourish.

The cyathostomins comprise around 50 species and at certain stages of their life cycle they cannot – as yet – be detected in equines, although a test to identify cases of encysted redworm is now under development.

Almost all grazing horses become infected with cyathostomins at some stage in their lives, with most showing no ill effects whatsoever. The infective larvae are acquired slowly over the entire grazing season and migrate into the lining of the large intestine, where they enter a state of arrested development.

The severe damage caused by this type of parasite infection occurs when the arrested stages of this parasite all reactivate at the same time and emerge from the gut lining into the intestine in bulk. This typically occurs in spring, but it’s not entirely clear what environmental factors trigger the reactivation of the small redworm larve.

The huge migration of the small redworm larvae from the lining of the large intestine causes massive disruption to the gut’s ability to function as normal. Many horses with larval cyathostominosis (springtime diarrhoea caused by small redworms) will develop severe diarrhoea. They will also lose weight and become weak. A small proportion of affected horses do not show diarrhoea, but will lose weight and become very dull and depressed.

Larval cyathostominosis can be fatal in up to 50% of cases, even in animals treated intensively. Treatment of this condition is difficult and dangerous. It involves treating the emerging parasite larvae with worming drugs while simultaneously decreasing the inflammatory reaction that is disrupting the normal function of the intestine. Severely ill horses may also need supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids and protein supplementation. Treatment can worsen the signs of this disease and, ultimately, can lead to death.

For this reason is it vital that horse owners take action to control the presence of small redworm in their horses to avoid the risk of larval cyathostominosis.

Practical steps to control small redworms in horses

Worm all horses in late autumn or early winter: use a wormer that is effective against encysted larvae parasites in the gut wall (such as one containing moxidectin).
Follow a strategic worming programme: faecal worm egg count analysis should be carried out in the spring and summer, leaving individuals with negative or low faecal worm egg counts untreated to encourage non-resistant worms.
Integrate wormer therapy with good grazing management: maintain low stocking densities, rotate grazing with other animal species if possible and pick up droppings several times a week.
Ensure wormer dosages are given as recommended by the manufacturer: weigh the horse or use a well-calibrated girth tape.
Avoid using the same class of wormer year after year.

First published H&H 1 March 2012

First test for encysted redworm in development

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 06:04:03 +0000

Owners could have a “new tool” in the battle against encysted redworm, thanks to the Moredun Research Institute.

Scientists currently working on a “novel” diagnostic blood test for assessing small strongyle larvae burdens – which cannot be detected at present – are now in collaboration with Austin Davis Biologics to develop the test further.

The initial process detects antibodies in infected horses and it is hoped this will also be possible using saliva samples.

A spokesman for the project said this would “simplify the collection process for horse owners, allowing them to take samples directly from their horses for analysis”.

Group leader Professor Jacqui Matthews, who is developing the diagnostic blood test at Moredun, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Austin Davis Biologics to further develop this test; the company has significant experience in the development of saliva-based tests for the equine market.”

Small strongyles are a group of parasites commonly found in the guts of grazing horses. In general, the higher the worm burden, the higher the risk of clinical disease in the horse.

The larval stage of the worms plays a significant role in the “disease syndromes” but there is no direct method of detecting the immature stages, as the larvae burrow into the gut wall where they lie dormant, which prevents specific diagnosis and treatment.

They can then mature and emerge en masse in spring, causing diarrhoea and colic, with a mortality rate of up to 50%.

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In the early stages of the project, the scientists are working with equine vets to collect samples of blood and saliva, which the aim of comparing saliva test results with validated results from the blood.

Dr Corrine Austin of Austin Davis Biologics said: “We are very pleased to be working with Moredun on this exciting new project. A saliva test for encysted cyathostomins will provide horse owners, equine veterinarians and animal medicines advisors with a new tool to target the treatment of cyathostomin infections in horses.”

Test for tapeworm — and 6 more essential horsey tasks to do this spring

Amanda Vlietstra — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 11:25:14 +0000

Spring has finally sprung — show schedules are out, bridleways are drying off, fields are beginning to turn green, and all is right with the world.

But now the days are longer and brighter, and your horse is out more, it’s time to look at the damage winter has wreaked and put it to rights…

1. Clean, repair and proof horse rugs

Sighing with relief at no longer having to wrestle with muddy heavyweight turnouts, you can send those off to be cleaned and proofed ready for next year and get your lightweights out instead. If you haven’t done it already, these will also need to be checked for tears, mended, cleaned and proofed. Now’s a good time to wash your lightweight stable rugs, summer sheets, fleeces and coolers ready for the season, too. Better get on with it.

2. Out with the old, in with the new

If your horse has spent those long winter nights in his stable trying to destroy his haynets and buckets (well, everyone needs a hobby) then chuck out the ones that are completely beyond repair. While you’re at it, why not get the puncture repair kit out and sort out that flat wheelbarrow tyre, re-attach the broom head with gaffer tape so it doesn’t fall off every time you sweep the yard, and replace the fork-head that lost a prong every time there was a frost? If you’re feeling brave, you could even try to persuade your yard-mates to club together with you to buy new ones.

3. Get your saddle checked

Your horse may well have changed shape over winter, and with the competition season looming, it’s a good idea to get your saddle checked to ensure he’s comfortable and ready for the task ahead. Now would be a good time to get his teeth and back checked, too.

4. Spring-clean those stables

With your horse out more, you can finally blitz the stable he’s been living in all winter. Remove any rubber matting and give it a good scrub, and hose the stable down with a pressure washer together with a good disinfectant — make sure it’s animal friendly, non-toxic and safe to use with rubber matting (if necessary.) Safe4disinfectant is used by vets and has DEFRA approval (www.safe4disinfectant.com), or you could try Fieldguard’s Green Gloop, which is harmless to animals and environmentally friendly.

5. Get your fields summer-ready

Consider chain-harrowing your pasture to remove any dead grass, even poached areas, and allow the soil to be aerated. According to Cotswolds Grass Seeds’ pasture management calendar, March/April is also the time to decide whether your paddocks could benefit from over-seeding or re-seeding, and to apply fertiliser (slow-release is best as too much nitrogen can cause high levels of protein in the grass, which is not ideal for laminitic horses.) Visit www.cotswoldseeds.com for more information. The BHS recommends rolling to flatten any poached areas in spring, and taking action against weeds and poisonous plants. Download their PDF on pasture management from www.bhs.org.uk.

6. Test for tapeworm

If you follow an interval worming programme (the administration of specific anthelmintic treatments at set intervals throughout the year), then March is the time to dose for tapeworm and other routine worms. Due to the problem of increased wormer resistance among horses, the BHS guidelines on worming now recommend targeted strategic dosing based on worm egg counts instead of interval worming, with worm (faecal) egg counts being performed every eight-10 weeks. However, as the guidelines point out: “Tapeworms are not detected by routine worm egg counts, so a tapeworm test (either through blood or saliva) should be carried out in spring and autumn.” Download their PDF on worm control from www.bhs.org.uk for more information.

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My winter fields are trashed: what can I do?

7. Clean out your water trough

It’s a chore that should be tackled regularly but is easily forgotten, so add it to your horsey spring-cleaning list. Google it, and you’ll find various suggestions online for keeping your horse’s water trough clean and fresh. These suggestions range from adding cider vinegar to goldfish (yes, really!), but your safest and best solution for a clean trough is good old fashioned elbow grease. Drain the water out, get a stiff scrubbing brush, and scrub the algae and scum out of the trough before refilling it. Obviously, don’t use bleach or any toxic cleaning agents. Your horse will thank you for it.

New study to improve understanding of equine tapeworm

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 12:04:04 +0000

A research project is aiming to improve the control of the most common equine tapeworm by finding out more about its intermediate host, the oribatid mite.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Austin Davis Biologics will monitor three yards infected with tapeworms, each with 20 horses, over an 18-month period after receiving funding from Petplan Charitable Trust.

The project is titled: “Improved control of the equine tapeworm, anoplocephala, through new insights into the biology of the oribatid mite intermediate host”.

Routine sampling of pastures will enable the mite populations to be monitored. Horse saliva will also be tested to monitor tapeworm infection in the horses grazing the paddocks.

“Infected horses pass tapeworm eggs in their faeces that are ingested by oribatid mites, an essential part of the tapeworm’s life cycle, that are found on the pasture,” said the RVC’s Professor Mark Fox.

“Larval tapeworms develop inside the mites within eight to 20 weeks, after which they can infect grazing horses. Despite methods available for the detection of anoplocephala infections in horses, we still know little about the biology of the parasite’s larval stages in these mites or of seasonal patterns of transmission to horses at pasture.”

The study aims to determine the effect of seasonal changes on mite populations, investigate the impact that dung removal has on tapeworm control and examine the effect of deworming treatments.

Continued below…

How to test for and treat tapeworms in horses

New tapeworm test uses equine saliva

Are you worming your horse correctly? 29% of owners are not

“The project seeks to develop more effective parasite control programmes which, together with paddock management recommendations, will ultimately result in a reduction in deworming treatments required,” said Dr Corrine Austin, who set up Austin Davis Biologics in 2009 with her father Professor Paul Davis.

Dr Austin said the company’s EquiSal Tapeworm testing will be used to “understand further the complex balance between the tapeworm, its hosts — the horse and oribatid mite, and its environment”.

The research gets underway in the next few months, with the findings being analysed at RVC’s Hawkshead campus near Hatfield.

H&H 24 March, 2016

Fact or fiction? What you need to know about worming H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 08:55:11 +0000

Reports of resistance and re-emergence in the worm world mean that targeted treatment is more important than ever. Cara Hallowell-Evans MRCVS debunks some of the myths of modern worm control

Myth one

Using ivermectin in spring will keep small redworm under control.

Fact

Confusion sometimes surrounds the significance of cyathostomins (also known as small redworm or strongyles), a group of parasites affecting almost all grazing horses. It is the immature larvae of the small redworm that causes disease, rather than the adult worms.

Larvae are the juvenile stage of gut worms. The larvae go through

a period of development within the wall of the intestine to enlarge and shed their outer sheath within the gut wall.

Horses become infected by ingesting infective larvae, which have developed on pasture from eggs passed in faeces. The warmer the weather, the faster the larvae develop to the infective stage.

Larvae embed themselves (become encysted) within the wall of the intestine, where they develop. This development can be arrested within the wall for months or even years, however, and we still don’t know the precise factors that trigger subsequent reactivation.

Clinical disease, termed larval cyathostomosis, ensues when large numbers of larvae emerge and cause damage to the interior intestine wall. This results from the accumulation of large burdens of larvae in the mucosal lining and is common in youngstock, or as a consequence of poor management in adult horses.

Treating a horse with ivermectin during spring is a known risk factor for this simultaneous emergence — possibly due to the decimation of the adult population that encourages larvae to emerge

and “fill the gap”.

Larval cyathostomosis is most common in spring, although it can occur at any time. Signs include worms in the faeces, severe diarrhoea and oedema (pouches of fluid under the abdomen and jaw).

Sadly, severe cases have a survival rate of just 50%.

Myth two

Large redworm rarely cause a major problem.

Fact

Large redworm can also cause serious disease. As with small strongyles, eggs passed in the faeces develop into infective larvae on pasture and are ingested by the grazing horse. Clinical disease occurs when even small numbers of large redworm larvae migrate to major abdominal blood vessels, causing clots and obstruction that can lead to severe colic.

Large redworm infection is uncommon in the UK in well-managed horses, due to decades of intensive worming. A single annual dose of moxidectin is thought to prevent establishment of infection on farms, but it is important to be vigilant to ensure this parasite does not re-emerge as the reduced use of worm-control drugs is encouraged.

A cyathostomin, or small redworm: this parasite — here at the infective larval stage which would be ingested by the horse from pasture — affects almost all grazing horses and is most common in spring (Image credit: credit Cara Hallowell-Evans)

Myth three

Regular treatment is better than diagnostic-based treatment.

Fact

One of the most important and frequently overlooked facts about worm egg counts is that there is little relationship between the eggs counted and the number of adult worms present. So what’s the point in performing the test?

Egg counts are really useful to identify and target treatment to those horses excreting large numbers of eggs onto pasture — the ones who are therefore contributing most to parasite transmission.

Targeting treatments in spring and summer aims to reduce pasture contamination, decreasing the chance of ingestion of large numbers of larvae and lessening risk of disease. As a method of worm control, targeting is both cost-effective and sustainable.

In addition, it is impossible to identify horses with heavy infection by eye. The only way to establish the presence of parasitic infection is with diagnostic testing, which is more effective for “wormy” poor doers than repeated treatment.

Myth four

A negative tapeworm test means a horse is free from infection.

Fact

Awareness of the impact that high tapeworm burdens can have on equine health is now better than ever, yet testing for these parasites can be challenging.

Tapeworm transmission takes place when segments of the mature worm containing eggs break off sporadically, passing onto pasture in faeces. These eggs are then consumed by a forage mite, which is ingested and digested by the horse.

An infective tapeworm is then released into the gut, where it attaches itself at the junction of the ileum (the end of the small intestine) and caecum (a pouch at the beginning of the large intestine). This causes irritation and potentially colic.

While faecal testing for tapeworm is available, intermittent egg release means that results cannot be taken at face value. A positive result gives a definite indication of active infection, because eggs aren’t possible without the presence of adult parasites. Negative results can never be relied upon to indicate freedom from infection, however, as testing relies on egg packets being shed into the examined portion of faeces.

The ELISA method, which examines equine blood or saliva for antibodies produced in response to tapeworm infection, can be used for individuals but is best used for co-grazing horses to examine herd infection and transmission levels. Interpretation is challenging and it is important to consider that antibodies may persist for months after clearance of tapeworms by treatment.

If test results are moderate or high, it indicates that biannual treatment in spring and autumn is needed. Annual treatment is often sufficient where results are low or negative, but biannual testing is still recommended to ensure control measures are effective.

Although worm egg counts do not predict how many adult worms will emerge, they are a useful tool for identifying and targeting treatment to those horses contaminating pasture (Image credit: credit Cara Hallowell-Evans)

Myth five

Picking up droppings is a waste of time.

Fact

Good pasture management involves regular dung removal and does make a huge difference to parasite burdens.

Traditional methods such as harrowing and rain washing (letting heavy downpours do the job) and even the more modern paddock sweeper, have been shown to be less useful control methods as they distribute larvae all over the pasture.

Methods that remove, rather than spread, manure, by hand or vacuum, are more effective. Weekly removal will prevent dispersal of dung, and therefore larvae, by rainfall or insects. Additional measures such as clipping rough patches to remove protective larval habitats, or grazing sheep/cattle after horses, can help.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 18 February 2016

Horses at increased risk of pinworm warns vet

Aimi Clark — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 09:55:19 +0000

Pinworms in horses is a re-emerging condition and all horses are at increased risk of infection — that was the message conveyed by Edd Knowles when speaking at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)’s congress in September.

Previous veterinary thinking was that Oxyuris equi — more commonly known as pinworm — affected only a limited age range of young horses, it caused mild clinical signs and was easy to control with a routine worming programme.

However, recent reports suggest this is not the case.

“Anthelmintic [wormer] resistance is emerging,” said Mr Knowles. “Many reports involve mature adult horses that have received apparently appropriate recent anthelmintic treatment.”

What are pinworms in horses?

Adult pinworms are white and up to 15cm in length, and primarily live in a horse’s right dorsal colon.

Female pinworms lay yellow eggs around the horse’s anus — often leading to perianal pruritus (itching of the tail) — and then die, leading to the worm being passed in droppings. Dislodged pinworm eggs become infectious within three to five days.

Besides tail itching, pinworm has also been linked to colic, with some horses suffering from loss of appetite and general depression. In horses living in herds, however, only one or two may show signs of infestation. This makes it is easy for pinworm to go unnoticed (vet, 29 October). The worm can sometimes be seen protruding from the horse’s anus before re-entering the gut shortly afterwards.

How to treat pinworm in horses

Signs of a pinworm infestation have been reported to persist after initial treatment with an ivermectin or moxidectin wormer.

“The continued presence or rapid reappearance of eggs despite repeated treatment was found in mature horses in Germany. Egg shedding ceased only after mebendazole treatment,” Mr Knowles added.

“In the US and New Zealand, adult pinworms that had survived treatment with ivermectin or abamectin were killed only by pyrantel or oxfendazole.”

Always consult your vet for advice when pinworm is suspected.

“I currently use three doses of pyrantel embonate or mebendazole at two- to three-week intervals in persistent, severely affected cases,” Mr Knowles told H&H.

Ref: H&H 5 November, 2015

Pinworm has returned: what you need to know H&H VIP

Horse & Hound — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 08:55:23 +0000

Recent news about the re-emergence of pinworm as a parasitic problem has prompted a flurry of stories from owners who’ve spotted these unwelcome visitors around their horses’ hindquarters.

“They seem to be this year’s must-have accessory for the discerning equine,” says Leila Mitcham, who first suspected infestation when she noticed some uncharacteristic tail swishing by her thoroughbred gelding, Beau. “I’ve been involved with horses for more than 30 years, but have never come across a case of pinworm.”

Leila’s three horses mainly live out on 4.5 acres of grazing that is poo-picked daily. Each is wormed for encysted redworm and tapeworm and has a regular faecal egg count, so it surprised Leila to discover that pinworms were in effect living “under the radar”.

The pinworms flourished unnoticed because their eggs are laid around the anus area and not expelled in dung, and are therefore not detected in faecal egg counts.

Upon closer inspection, Leila noticed telltale yellow dots under Beau’s tail — pinworm eggs. She then spotted an adult female worm emerging from his anus.

“Beau was the only one to show any signs,” she says.

This lack of visible evidence is another reason why pinworms tend to be overlooked. Perianal pruritis (itching of the tail) can be a giveaway, but clinical signs may appear in only a small percentage of horses.

And while young horses have been considered most at risk, this is no longer so.

“There are numerous reports of clinical signs in mature adult and geriatric horses,” says Edd Knowles MRCVS, adding that a much broader age range is now thought to be vulnerable.

Pinworm presence in Leila’s horses — two thoroughbreds aged 22 and a five-year-old cob — would seem to confirm this.

A persistent problem

How worried should we be about these low-profile parasites?

Aside from the discomfort caused by itching, possible tail-wrecking and consequential behavioural changes, a sizeable burden can apparently cause more serious problems.

“Pinworm have also been blamed for causing some types of colic by causing inflammation of the colon and caecum,” warns Edd.

Leila’s horses are now undergoing a treatment programme aimed at eradicating the internal worm burden. But Edd says that pinworm are showing resistance to some wormers.

“The continued presence or rapid reappearance of eggs despite repeated treatment was found in mature horses in Germany,” he says. “Egg shedding ceased only after subsequent mebendazole treatment. In the US and New Zealand, adult pinworms that had survived treatment with ivermectin/abamectin were killed only by pyrantel or oxfendazole.

“If you do suspect pinworm, consult your vet to put together a thorough treatment plan,” Edd advises. “If signs persist following treatment, a different class of wormer may be necessary.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 29 October 2015

Are you worming your horse correctly? 29% of owners are not

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 07:12:54 +0000

Horse owners could be risking their horse’s health by not worming correctly.

Results from this year’s National Equine Health Survey (NEHS) showed that 29% of people who thought they had treated for encysted small redworm had used an unsuitable product.

Small redworm are the most common worms found in UK horses and, in their encysted stage, are potentially fatal.

They don’t show up in faecal worm egg counts and may not cause obvious symptoms so owners may not know their horse has them.

The only two active ingredients licensed to treat the small redworm are a single dose of moxidectin or a five-day course of fenbendazole.

The survey results showed 22.5% of those who specified how they treated for encysted small redworm had used ivermectin and 6.3% had used products licensed for tapeworm.

Of the remaining respondents 64% (down from 71% in 2014) had correctly used moxidectin and 7% had used fenbendazole.

“Encysted small redworm are potentially the most harmful parasites to affect horses in the UK, yet the survey results show consistent confusion over the correct product to use to minimise risk.

“It is imperative for owners to discuss their worm control plan with their vet or SQP and use the right product at the right time to safeguard their horses’ health,” said Wendy Talbot, for equine health company Zoetis.

The company recommends horses should be wormed for encysted small redworm during November or December. This can be combined with a treatment for bots.

Owners should also carry out faecal worm egg counts every two-three months throughout the grazing season and treat for strongyles as required.

Once or twice a year horses should be tested and treated for tapeworm to complete year-round worm control in adult horses.

For more information visit: www.wormingyourhorse.info

How to test for and treat tapeworms in horses

Horse & Hound — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 09:35:55 +0000

While horses can have large tapeworm burdens and appear healthy on the outside, the worms can cause problems so testing horses for tapeworm and treating them where necessary is good horse husbandry.

Unlike other worms in the horse, tapeworms develop inside an intermediate host — the microscopic forage mite. Horses become infected when they eat hay or grass containing mites, which are themselves infected with tapeworm larvae. These then develop into adult tapeworms inside the horse’s intestines.

Testing for tapeworms in horses

Testing for tapeworms cannot be done through the standard faecal worm egg count (FWEC). Either a blood test or the relevatively new saliva test can be used to identify whether your horse has a tapeworm burden in its gut.

A blood sample can be taken by your vet to test for infection, a method known as the ELISA or tapeworm antibody test. A horse with a high level of tapeworm infection will produce a large number of antibodies, which can be detected in the blood.

The test indicates a broad level of intensity, rather than tapeworm numbers. The amount of antibodies will indicate whether the burden is low, medium or high.

While the blood test is useful for assessing whether your horse has been infected with tapeworms in the past, it is not a reliable indicator of response to treatment. This is because it takes around four to five months for the antibody levels to return to normal after the worms have been killed. Therefore the test only needs to be carried out once a year.

The saliva test — EquiSal Tapeworm — has been developed by scientists at Austin Davis Biologics at the company’s laboratory in Northamptonshire. A horse’s saliva is taken by its owner using a specially developed swab, and then sent off to the laboratory for analysis.

Horses with evidence of a high tapeworm burden are likely to be susceptible to infection with tapeworms in the future. They should be treated a second time that year, before being retested 12 months later.

Treating a horse for tapeworm

There are two different approaches to tackling tapeworm. Treatment can be targeted, following a blood or saliva test, or administered within an annual worming programme.

Targeted treatment can reduce the likelihood of worms becoming resistant to treatment and identifies horses at risk of high levels of worm infection.

Using this method, horses are tested for tapeworms once a year. Those with a high burden are treated after the test and then again six months later. The test is then repeated the following year to find out how successful treatment has been.

New horses on the yard should have a tapeworm test and a FWEC, or be treated for both tapeworms and roundworms, before they are turned out with others.

In some yards, targeted worming may not be suitable nor practical. In these instances, it is best to treat for tapeworms every six months.

Tapeworm infection is not strongly linked to seasonality, so the time of year that treatment takes place is not particularly important. As risk is higher after prolonged periods of grazing, however, it seems wise to treat at the end of a summer out at grass.

It is important to be aware that not all wormers kill tapeworms. These particular parasites can be treated with one of two drugs — praziquantel and pyrantel. The latter must be used at a double dose.

Fortunately, both drugs are very effective and cause death and detachment of the tapeworms from the gut wall within 24-48hr following treatment. They are available as single products or in combination with other drugs that target different types of worms.

Parasite populations on the pasture can be reduced by regular removal of droppings, resting grazing and rotating sheep and cattle on to horse fields.

To conclude then, careful pasture management combined with correct testing and treatment will ensure that tapeworm infection is controlled.

Nearly half of owners don’t know their horse’s weight

Lucy Elder — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 06:25:15 +0000

Forty-four percent of questioned horse owners did not weigh their horses before worming, a survey has found.

A total of 559 horse owners completed the online British Riding Clubs horse health survey in February 2014.

It was commissioned by animal health company Zoetis and contained 21 questions on general horse health, care and management.

Zoetis is warning owners that they could be under-dosing.

This in turn can cause worms to develop resistance to wormers and impact on how infestations are managed in the future.

One case study found a 13.1hh Connemara weighed 60kg more than the owners expected.

Another showed that a full tube of wormer would not be enough to treat one competition-fit 16.3hh warmblood involved in the study.

The company warned that resistance to wormers is a growing problem

Resistance happens when parasites are no longer susceptible to a drug used to control them.

These then multiply and, if the process continues, only resistant worms remain.

Wendy Talbot, Zoetis vet, advised that horses should be weighed at least once a year using a weighbridge.

“Our case studies give a very real perspective on how easy it is to under-estimate the weight of our horses,” she said.

“Weigh tapes, although less accurate [than weighbridges], are a great way to keep tabs on weight once you have the accuracy of the weighbridge weight to refer to and have factored in any discrepancies.

“Remember that many horses will change in weight throughout the year.”

She added some feed manufactures offer a portable weighbridge service.

Knowing the current weight of the horses that you wish to treat before purchasing your wormers can help your vet or SQP to ensure that you buy the correct dose in each case.

Plea for owners to test prior to worming or risk severe consequences

Sophia Heath — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 07:25:39 +0000

“Routine testing, not routine worming” is the message industry experts are trying to put across after a recent study found that 81% of owners are not conducting frequent faecal egg counts (FECs).

Nearly 1,000 owners were questioned on their current worming procedure and knowledge by equestrian supplier Countrywide. The results showed worrying trends.

“The survey has brought out the disparities in current practice against best practice and how this is leading to the rise in resistance to wormers,” said Countrywide’s Sara Blackshaw.

Only 31% of owners said they conduct regular FEC tests while nearly 60% of owners said that they routinely worm — interval dosing at set times of the year.

In 2010 the British Veterinary Association (BVA) launched a campaign telling owners that, in order to slow resistance, all worming treatments should be based on veterinary diagnosis.

The owner of Westgate Laboratories, Gillian Booth, is concerned the results show that owners have still not updated “their worming practice to match the increase in resistance and improvement in testing technology”.

“Previous worming practices have led to the resistance problems we now have, so it is vital that there is change,” she said.

Countrywide’s Mark Hawkins added: “Without testing there is no way of knowing if a wormer is being effective. The implications of not worming if it is required, or ineffective worming, can be severe.”

Lack of knowledge

The research also found that a worrying number of owners do not know the accurate weight of the horse they are worming — nearly 40% of people questioned were unclear.

Director of BW Equine Vets, Chris Shepherd, said this figure was “very concerning” as “dosing plays a large role in the increase in resistance”.

“If you do need to treat, accurate dosing is essential. Under-dosing promotes resistance and is similar to giving the worms a vaccine allowing resistance to build up to that particular wormer,”

Mr Shepherd added.

Industry experts want owners to take an active role in preserving wormers that are currently effective.

European veterinary advisor at Norbrook Pharmaceuticals, Rebekah Dudek, warned: “If we continue to worm simply ‘as we always have’, there is a chance we will eventually be left with no efficacious wormers in our arsenal, meaning we would have to rely on management strategies as the only option to control worm burdens.”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 12 March 2015

Experts warn about dangers of ignoring encysted small redworm

Ellie Hughes — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 15:55:04 +0000

Are we putting our horses’ health at risk by ignoring the threat of encysted small redworm?

The results of this year’s annual National Equine Health Survey suggest the answer is yes.

The survey revealed that one in five owners who claimed to have treated for encysted small redworm (ESRW) used a wormer that was not suitable for treating these potentially lethal encysted parasites.

Encysted small redworms are one of the most common and harmful worms found in horses.

They are the larval stages of the small redworm that have buried into the lining of the gut where they can lie dormant for some time.

They pose a potentially fatal health risk but won’t show up in a standard faecal worm egg count because the larvae are not mature and producing the eggs that would show up.

Untreated, encysted small redworm can develop and emerge en masse from the gut wall in the early spring, causing diarrhoea and colic, with a mortality rate of up to 50%.

“The veterinary recommendation is that all horses should receive a treatment for ESRW during the late autumn and early winter, regardless of their faecal worm egg count,” said Wendy Talbot, equine veterinary manager at animal health company Zoetis.

“It’s crucial to remember that even if your horse’s faecal worm egg count is negative you must still treat for encysted small redworm before the early spring, to protect your horse from this deadly parasite.”

Encysted redworm should be treated annually between October and March via either a single dose of a moxidectin-based wormer or a five-day course of a fenbendazole-based wormer.

New tapeworm test uses equine saliva

Caroline Bankes — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:55:15 +0000

A “revolutionary” tapeworm test using equine saliva has been launched, which developers claim will transform the way owners worm horses.

EquiSal Tapeworm — which is thought to be the first of its kind available — has been developed by scientists at Austin Davis Biologics at the company’s laboratory in Northamptonshire.

A horse’s saliva is taken by its owner using a specially developed swab, and sent off to the laboratory for analysis.

Previously the only other definitive test for tapeworm has been via blood taken by the vet.

But some vets are sceptical about the test, arguing there is not yet enough published evidence to substantiate it.

There are also concerns over whether the samples will survive effectively in the post, especially if there are delays. However the developers of the test are keen to allay any concerns, saying the saliva stability has been rigorously tested and proven stable for at least three weeks.

Dr Corrine Austin, director at Austin Davis Biologics, said that so far the number of horses with a tapeworm burden is lower than expected.

“Only 19% of horses tested had a tapeworm burden requiring treatment. This percentage is even lower in well managed yards,” she said.

“Many animals are being over-wormed for tapeworm when routine dosing strategies are used,” she added.

Horse owners are advised to test twice a year at six-monthly intervals and a minimum of four months after the last tapeworm dosing.

An EquiSal Tapeworm test kit costs £17.95 per horse and includes all laboratory processing.

More information

First published in Horse & Hound magazine on Thursday 4 September

Warning to horse owners as worm counts are forgotten

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:00:45 +0000

How often do you take a worm count for your horse? For a worrying number of owners the answer to this is never.

A new survey has revealed a third of horse owners never conduct a faecal worm egg count.

The British Riding Clubs Horse Health online survey, commissioned by animal health company Zoetis, was completed by 559 horse owners this year.

“The survey results are worrying, indicating that a high number of owners are still unaware of the most efficient way to control worms,” said Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot.

Horses should have their weight calculated before being wormed. Worm egg counts should cost less than £10 per horse, with bulk discounts negotiable. They should be done every couple of months.

“It makes sense to discuss how often to carry out worm counts for your horse with your own vet, who knows your yard,” said H&H vet Karen Coumbe.

“The frequency can be reduced for horses showing consistently low egg shedding levels. It should become routine procedure for responsible owners.”

The counts should be combined with daily poo-picking to keep grazing as clean and worm-free as possible.

“Even though tapeworm, encysted small redworm or bots will not be identified by a standard count, it is still worth doing,” added Karen.

For more information visit: www.wormingyourhorse.info

This article was first published in Horse & Hound on 12 June 2014

Experts warn of increased risk of encysted small redworm

Sophia Heath — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 12:00:41 +0000

Worming experts are warning that the mild winter may have increased the risk of small redworm.

Encysted small redworm (ESRW) can hibernate in the lining of the gut and do not show up on a faecal worm egg count. They usually “wake up” in the early spring and their mass emergence can lead to larval cyathostominosis — causing diarrhoea and colic. It is fatal in 50% of cases.

The weather has meant worm eggs and larvae will have been able to develop and grazing horses could have become reinfected. Experts recommend owners consider a second ESRW dose this spring.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (3 April 2014)

Horse owners remain unaware of the dangers of wormer resistance

Sophia Heath — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 08:00:11 +0000

Top vets are concerned that horse owners still do not understand that wormer resistance is an increasingly serious health threat.

In 2010 the British Veterinary Association (BVA) launched a campaign telling owners that, in order to slow resistance, all worming treatments should be based on veterinary diagnosis.

But a questionnaire-based study published in last month’s Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) showed that many owners are still not aware of the issue.

The investigation, which was carried out in Scotland, showed that 86% of owners “were unaware of the presence of resistance on their yard”.

Professor Celia Marr, editor of the EVJ, said: “Resistance to wormers is a major health concern and owners need to be made more aware of the issue.”

Some owners are reluctant to stop using a traditional (interval) worming plan. An H&H forum member posted: “I follow a programme, and it works for us [ie 4 times a year]. Many people use egg counts to check which wormer is needed, via the vet. I just like to cover all bases, as I’ve seen what not worming can do.”

Owners may soon not have the choice. H&H reported earlier this year that wormers could become prescription-only under radical new plans proposed by the BVA (news, 7 March). The proposal has been prompted by vets who are “increasingly alarmed” at the growth in resistance.

Another study, by Moredun Research Institute, on horses in southern England showed that out of 3 categories of drugs that expel worms, only 1 still has a success rate of more than 95% — those that contain ivermectin and moxidectin.

“We need to preserve these products as much as we can, there are no new wormers coming through,” said Prof Jacqueline B Matthews who helped with the study.

“Worryingly, recent research has already shown a reduction in how long these treatments are effective in keeping worm egg counts down, indicating that resistance is already growing.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (22 August, 2013)

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CANTER (Controlling Antiparasitic Resistance in Equines Responsibly), a group set up to tackle wormer resistance, recommends owners risk assess each horse’s likelihood of suffering as a result of parasites, and work with vets to ensure appropriate control programmes.

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Past BEVA president Mark Bowen said the main aim is to regulate remote prescribing.

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“Their use needs tighter regulation since many antiparasitic agents have the potential to cause significant environmental harm.”

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Claire Stratford of the Government’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate, spearheaded the formation of the group.

Dr Stratford added that the group’s aim is to become the trusted source of information for prescribers and horse owners, and to “facilitate informed discussion about this important aspect of horse health”.

At the start, the group is prioritising four main issues. It will publish best practice guidelines this year, to inform guidance on “sustainable, responsible, and practical strategies for parasite control in equines”.

It will produce faecal egg count guidance, which it is hoped will promote effective use of diagnostic and monitoring tools. A research arm has been formed and a communication strategy is being developed.

“The aim is to support a consistent approach to parasite control across the equine community and to become a ‘single source of truth’ on issues related to antiparasitic resistance in equines, in an area that has traditionally seen some mixed messaging,” the spokesman said.

CANTER has developed a free resource for owners to assess their horses’ risk of parasite infection, which can be used to help inform the right action to take.

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EquiSal Tapeworm Test review *H&H Approved*

Verdict

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‘We treat horses for tapeworm too frequently’ warns top vet

Mr Rendle explained that tapeworms cannot be identified in faecal worm egg counts; exposure to them is tested by saliva or blood tests, and levels in these tests are not expected to drop immediately after treatment.

“At the request of vets, BOVA has stepped in to produce a straight praziquantel product that is only active against tapeworms, to overcome precisely the concerns that have been outlined.”

Mr Rendle said the queries of some owners over-treating tapeworm “highlight the complexities of developing de-worming programmes and the value in developing an annual plan in partnership with your vet who will have more tools in their kit than are available over the counter”.

Claire Shand, director of parasite and testing company Westgate Labs, told H&H it is important owners know there is a praziquantel-only product.

“As with all testing, we have to use it within the context of the science, the situation and the risk. [Tapeworm saliva test] EquiSal is excellent and the information it has brought has helped us to revolutionise our approach to tapeworm control since it became available in 2015.”

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14 jobs all horse owners need to do right now

9. TeethGet your vet or equine dental technician to check your horse’s teeth before winter, to ensure they are able to make the most of their feed. This is particularly important for youngsters and older horses.

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Owners warned of potential equine welfare ‘disaster’ if no action is taken

The aim is to educate owners, keepers and yard managers on the vital importance of following an evidence-based, testing-led, worming programme developed with the vet.

“This comes as the risk of dewormer resistance continues to threaten the equine industry; a state that occurs when a proportion of the worms inside horses are no longer killed by the dewormer,” a BHS spokesman said.

BHS welfare campaigns officer Gabby Madders said: “If we continuously deworm our horses without testing first, the number of resistant worms present will increase. This means worms on a horse’s pasture will become resistant to dewormers and no longer respond to treatment.

“We’re delighted to be working with BEVA to minimise the threat of resistance and to support horse owners, carers and yard managers with the development of a tailored, testing-led deworming plan that prioritises the welfare of their horses and eliminates any unnecessary treatment.”

BEVA president elect David Rendle said the association is just as pleased to be working with the BHS on this issue.

“Horse owners are becoming increasingly aware of the urgency with which we need to tackle dewormer resistance and find sustainable testing-led strategies of control, which minimise potential harm both to horses and to the environment.

“The BHS and BEVA guidelines are an excellent reference, and we would urge every horse and yard owner to work with their local veterinary surgeon to develop testing-led programmes that work best for them. Vets want to help.”

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Large numbers of horses will die if we do not change the way we worm

Since 2010, there have been reports of resistance to every available class of wormer and there is “absolutely no suggestion of any new classes” in the foreseeable future.

“We aren’t going to get any new options, nothing in the short term, so we have to find strategies of coping,” Mr Rendle said.

“We’ve got to be careful about how we use these drugs if we’re not to get to a situation where we’re losing large numbers of horses because we can’t control their parasites.”

“It’s a double whammy; a threat to our horses and the environment they live in,” he said.

Mr Rendle said the aim in the 1960s was to eliminate parasites, which was “misguided”. Instead, owners should aim to kill enough worms to stop horses becoming ill and leave those that have not been exposed to the drugs, so resistance is not passed on in reproduction.

Owners should instead adopt a programme of only worming when necessary as determined by testing, such as faecal worm egg counts; the challenge is persuading people that this is the “only way to preserve the health and welfare of our horses long term”.

Mr Rendle added that good pasture management is essential, citing a study that found twice-weekly poo-picking removed far more worm larva from pasture than the use of different anthelmintics. Grazing ruminants on equine pasture is also helpful.

“Current worming practices are unsustainable,” he finished. “Resistance is at alarming levels and resistance is irreversible. It’s hard to get that message across to people as they don’t see the threat and by the time they do, it will be too late.”

Westgate Labs Horse Worm Egg Count Kit H&H Approved

EquiSal Tapeworm Test review H&H Approved