Those pesky worms!
Have you got a worm control plan set in place for your horse?
What are the main worms/parasites to look out for?:
small redworm The most common worm/parasite affecting horses, they can grow to 2.5cm long and reproduce in large numbers. Larvae bury into the horse’s gut wall, where they can lie dormant for months or even years – this is known as encysted small redworm.
roundworm Able to grow to 40cm in length, they’re a creamy colour and mostly affect foals and young horses.
tapeworm They attach to the gut wall via suckers in the junction between the large and small intestine and, if present in large numbers, can cause colic.
large redworm Up to 5cm in length, they’re a darker red colour than small redworm and are found in your horse’s large intestine.
How to find if you need to worm.
In recent years our approach to worming has changed, only giving wormers when needed suppose to worming year round. This is to help stop parasites building up resistance to wormers. We can do this thanks to targeted worming.
Using an egg count (Faecal Worm Egg Count) to identify the type and amount of eggs.
More than 200 and you'll need to worm.
Your vet or the lab you had the count done in will be able to advise you on which product will be both the most effective and safest.
You'll need to test separately for tapeworm with either a blood test or saliva test as their eggs do not show up in faecal counts
What is a good worming plan?
Winter - Worm for encysted small redworm.
Spring- Egg count and tape worm test.
Summer- Egg count.
Autumn- Egg count and tape worm test.
Paddock maintenance is also key to help keep worms at bay! Regular poo picking and ensuring a paddock isn't over grazed can help keep the numbers down.
Most veterinary practises will have a worming programme you can sign up for. Giving you reminders or even sending you out what is needed that month.
