Resistance means we can no longer reach for a wormer and know it will work. But what if there was another way of reducing parasites that didn’t rely on chemicals? Numerous studies have shown that poo picking can be just as effective as giving a treatment.
Parasite specialists Westgate Labs are calling for horse owners to get more serious about management as a way of tackling the increased threat of disease that wormer resistance poses and to reduce reliance on chemicals.
Spring is a particularly important time to focus on pasture management, as increased grazing and favourable weather conditions allow parasites to thrive. Westgate Labs director Kristy Hodgson says it’s the perfect time to tackle infection at source.
“Removing droppings at least twice a week, before worm eggs hatch, prevents larvae from getting onto pasture and breaks the lifecycle mechanically, without the need for chemicals.”
She says that while it might be hard work, the benefits to our horses are clear.
“If we can prevent them from ingesting those larval worms, it’s motivation for us all to get out there.”
The evidence
In one 2014 study, three herds of donkeys were monitored over a grazing season to assess how different poo removal strategies influenced parasite levels. The results showed that the groups where droppings were removed, whether manually or by mechanical means, had significantly lower worm egg counts than those grazing fields where droppings were left in place.
A second study in 2017 compared two groups of horses following a moxidectin wormer treatment. One group grazed pasture that was regularly poo picked, while the other grazed fields that were not. Horses on the poo picked paddocks had lower worm egg counts both before and after worming, showing that pasture hygiene supports and enhances the effectiveness of treatment.
A third study published in 2022 investigated the effects of poo picking and harrowing as ways to reduce the number of parasite larvae in paddocks. Research found that twice-weekly poo picking significantly reduced larval yields, whereas harrowing did not. Results also found that resting pastures for one year greatly reduced the parasite level, but two years of rest were required for larvae to die off on pasture completely.
These findings reinforce an important message in parasite control – chemicals alone are not the answer. Regular poo picking, combined with pasture rest and rotation play a vital role alongside testing. By physically removing parasite eggs before they hatch and develop on pasture, poo picking can dramatically reduce infection pressure across the grazing season.
“It’s important to note that poo picking is a preventative tool, rather than an alternative to worming with a chemical,” Kirsty explains. “Where test results indicate, we would always recommend appropriate treatment as a first line of approach.”
A simple solution
Regular worm egg counts remain the foundation of responsible parasite control, but they work best when combined with good grazing management. Sometimes the most powerful tools are also the simplest – a wheelbarrow, a fork, and a commitment to keeping paddocks clear.
When testing and management work together, it’s possible to reduce unnecessary worming and support your horse’s long-term health. All horses need a worm egg count this spring and testing with Westgate Labs includes help and support to get your approach to parasite control right for you.
For more information, visit westgatelabs.co.uk
References
Corbett et al. (2014) The effectiveness of faecal removal methods of pasture management to control the cyathostomin burden of donkeys. Parasit. Vectors, 7, 48
Tzelos et al. (2017) Strongyle egg reappearance period after moxidectin treatment and its relationship with management factors in UK equine populations. Vet. Parasitol, 237:70–76
Osterman-Lind et al. (2022) Evaluation of Strategies to Reduce Equine Strongyle Infective Larvae on Pasture and Study of Larval Migration and Overwintering in a Nordic Climate. Animals, 12, 3093
Help your horse stay in the zone this competition season
Performance begins long before the start box: preparing horses for peak performance with Harry Meade
Don’t forget this key ingredient in a stress-free show day
Is your horse trying to tell you something?
The three most-common horse insurance questions answered
Get ahead of spring and summer respiratory results
The importance of livery yard insurance – and why it could be money well spent
Inside the yard of a world number one on the new Between The Reins podcast
