Recommended Parasite Control & Worming Protocol for 2012
New scientific research has updated our current understanding of the resistance of horse parasites to the wormers available. Our advice has therefore changed on how best to utilise the wormers that we have available to you to treat your horses. This entails a substantial change in how you should be using wormers in controlling internal parasites in your horse or pony.
WE ADVISE ROUTINE WORM EGG COUNTS AND TARGETED WORMING AND NOT WIDESPREAD UNNECESSARY WORMING
We recommend a 6 point plan:
1. A reduction in how often wormers are administered.
2. Faecal Worm Egg Counts (WEC) should be used four times a year in late February, early May, early August & early November to find out if worming is necessary.
3. Use “Targeted Treatments” on horses that show a positive WEC.
4. If the WEC is negative DO NOT administer a wormer.
5. Collect faeces off your paddocks - twice a week in the summer and once weekly in winter.
6. If you have sheep or cows mixed grazing is a good idea.
Pregnant Mares
Equimax, Eraquell & Equest can all be used in pregnant mares and worming at time of foaling is recommended.
Foals
Equimax & Eraquell can be used from 2 weeks of age. Equest can be used from 4 months of age.
We recommend that new horses to you or on the yard are treated with Equest and then stabled for 2-3 days before turnout.
If you would like to order a Faecal Worm Egg Count kit please click here.
Please click here for a downloadable our 2012 Worming Calendar and Protocol
Last Updated: December 30, 2011