strategic worming
Good worm control starts with knowing which parasites could be a threat to horse health at which times of year and using worm counts and tests to monitor infection levels in the horse, only adding wormer doses as they are needed. Combine this with pasture management and animal husbandry techniques to reduce the parasite challenge to your horse. Westgate Labs advises...
How to plan a Strategic Worm Control Programme
Targeted Worm Control Equine parasites to test or treat for; a veterinary approved programme for healthy adult horses
Test routinely; Treat if required D
Treat routinely
worm count x 4 a year F
EquiSal test x 2 a year
Test only if necessary; Treat if required W
1 x winter wormer Treat if required
O
wet grazing with sheep test December-May
There are two tests that should form the basis of an effective targeted worm control programme – worm egg counts for redworm and roundworm and the EquiSal saliva test for tapeworm. Both tests give statistical results for the levels of parasites present that can be used to determine whether the horse needs treatment or not. You may also need to consider bots, pinworm, lungworm and liver fluke in your programme if you suspect a problem
When should you test? A mature, healthy horse can follow a very simple pattern of testing and dosing. The basic
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idea is to test a small dung sample about three times a year to check for the presence of redworm and roundworm (ascarids) and a saliva sample twice a year to test for a tapeworm infection.
A suggested programme Worming is only required if the tests indicate infection above a certain level. Complete the year by treating for possible encysted redworm in winter. Foals, youngsters, neglected or older horses will require more attention.
The following programme is a good basis for a healthy adult horse:
SPRING SUMMER
AUTUMN WINTER
grazing with donkeys test May-September
Worm egg count for redworm and ascarids
Worm egg count for redworm and ascarids
Worm egg count for redworm and ascarids
Worm for possible encysted redworm, resistance test to check drug efficacy
Encysted stages of redworm are not mature so don’t lay the eggs which are counted in the dung sample. It is important to treat with an effective product in the winter months (December to February) then you can rely on
Test kits and FREE worming advice all available from your friendly team of SQPs at Westgate Labs backed by our veterinary approved advice. Contact us today:
www.westgatelabs.co.uk | 01670 791994 |
info@westgatelabs.co.uk | social Westgate Laboratories | Middle Stobswood, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 3AZ
Once you’ve got the result, what next?
An explanation will be given by the laboratory to help you
www.theequinesite.co.uk
your worm count results over the next season.
Saliva test for tapeworm
Westgate Laboratories will advise on worming once your test results are known
rubbing tail head sellotape test
bot eggs on hair 1 x winter wormer
Saliva test for tapeworm
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