Worming schedules for Race Horses

ROTATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

The importance of regular worming cannot be understated and as importantly, neither can the need for rotational use of worming preparations to ensure population resistance does not occur. The effective control of parasite numbers in the horse and its immediate environment can be achieved through strategic use of effective de worming preparations and environmental control utilizing strategic management practices.

Worms and other intestinal parasites are recognized as being potentially detrimental to horse health and well being and it is therefore a critical welfare issue to ensure a regular and effective worming strategy is employed. Additionally, due to the nature of intensive stabling, high stocking densities and co-mingling at competitive events, the chance for contamination and subsequent infestations to take hold is greatly increased.

Types of intestinal worms include; Large roundworm (Parascaris equorum), Large strongyles (bloodworms, Strongylus spp.)*, Small strongyles (redworms, Cyathostomes)*, Pinworm (Oxyuris equi), Tapeworm (Anoplocephala perfoliata)*, Immature Trichonema sp., Triodontophorus sp., Strongylus vulgaris along with bots, Hair worms, Threadworm, Stomach worms and Lung worms. The adverse effects of worm burdens range from persistent diarrhea and general ill thrift to anaemia, gastro intestinal disturbance ie; colic, persistent coughing and pneumonia.
*The most common species are those marked by asterisk

It is generally recommended that effective de-worming products from several different chemical classes be selected for use in a ‘rotational’ worming program in order to avoid the development of ‘resistance’ to worming products. This rotational program may aid in delaying the onset of potential resistance by worm populations. Furthermore, more often than not, horses are infected with multiple species and therefore, a broad spectrum wormer is recommended and should be administered every 6-8 weeks using interval dosing.

The major classes of anthelmintics (de-worming preparations) are categorized into three primary sub-headings which
include;
1. Macrocyclic Lactones (ML’s) (Ivermectin and Moxidectin)
2. Benzimidazoles (BZ’s)
3. Pyrimidines (PD’s) (Morantel and Pyrantel)

In addition, the use of effective environmental management is also recommended and necessary to compliment the use of medicinal preparations for the control of parasite populations. Practicing the following management practices will also aid to ensure worm burdens are minimized;

Determine the ‘active’ ingredient of de-wormers, in addition to the species addressed by administration.

Ensuring an accurate weight measurement to avoid under or over-dosing.

Post a calendar so as not to forget worming dates and schedules.

Avoid over stocking pastures.

Practice pasture/paddock rotation.

Remove manure regularly from stables and paddocks, particularly following the administration of a deworming preparation.

Worm any new horses to the property and confine to yards or stables for 48 hours to prevent contamination with a possible worm infestation.

Monitor the horse to ensure the preparation has been swallowed.

De-worm all horses housed together simultaneously.

Perform fecal egg counts (FEC) regularly to evaluate the efficacy of your internal parasite control program.

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