WE are coming into summer now and with that comes the next phase of parasite prevention.

Given the seasonality of equine parasites, a strategic approach to worming can be used to disrupt the seasonal cycle and transmission of parasites by reducing parasite egg output and preventing the build-up of larvae on the pasture.

A strategic dosing approach combines the administration of targeted wormers at certain times of the year, along with regular faecal egg counts.

Starting point

Start by carrying out a faecal egg count on each of your horses. A faecal egg count will give you an indication as to the adult parasites in each horse by measuring the number of worm eggs in the sample of faeces. The results will alert you to the horses with a significant worm burden (i.e. 200 eggs per gram) and allow you to treat them accordingly, rather than worming all horses unnecessarily. According to Troytown GreyAbbey Equine Veterinary Services over-worming is the single biggest factor in building up a resistant worm population and it is also a waste of money.

It is also important to bear in mind that problems can arise as a result of abnormal weather patterns. For example, wet, warm summers can lead to early or late peak pasture larval burdens. Faecal egg counts can help determine the need to treat.

Treatment

The veterinary experts at Greenmount Equine Hospital recommend treating horses with a positive faecal egg count with a broad spectrum wormer that contains Ivermectin. Dugmectin, Equimax and Eqvalan Duo are three general purpose wormers which contain Ivermectin.

Dugmectin treats against large strongyles, large roundworms, pinworms, lungworms and bots. Equimax and Eqvalan Duo also contain Praziquantel which makes them effective against all three species of tapeworm found in Ireland with a standard dose.

  • If you are using oral syringes, identify the correct dose before administering it to your horse.
  • Stand at the side of your horse, in front of their shoulder, and open your horse’s mouth. Guide the syringe into the corner of the horse’s mouth and aim it toward the back of the tongue before dispensing the wormer (do not dispense the wormer at the corner or front of the mouth where the horse may just spit it out).
  • It may be necessary to raise the horse’s head briefly to ensure the wormer is swallowed. If administering wormers in the horse’s feed, mix the dose into part of the normal ration and if necessary add succulents to tempt the horse.

    • NOTE: Consult with your vet after you receive the results from the faecal egg count just in case your horses require a more specific worming treatment. The wormers mentioned above are just a selection of wormers available on the market, check with your local supplier as to what brands they stock.

    Prevention

    Remove droppings from pasture regularly during the summer months, this is more effective at worm control than the use of anthelmintics. Harrowing fields during a hot dry spell and leaving a field ungrazed for at least two weeks is also effective.

    Letting sheep and cattle graze pastures reduces worm egg burdens.