This Spring Start with a Worm Egg Count! No matter the size, breed, or workload of a horse, all equines are at risk of internal parasites. Routine worming without testing is an outdated practice that can lead to parasite resistance, a growing concern in equine healthcare.
By carrying out worm egg counts and strategic testing, you can reduce unnecessary treatments, improve horse health, and help protect the future efficacy of wormers. What to do when will depend a little on your management routine and personal choice along with the risk factor of your horse. Young, old and rescue horses will need more consideration at this time of year than healthy adult horses.Â
Spring worm control is time to:
- worm egg count every 8-12 weeks
- EquiSal test for tapeworm if you haven't in the last six months
- look out for bots, pinworm and ticks
- Plan carefully for any foaling mares
Did you know that up to 80% of horses have low worm egg counts and don’t need worming at all!
A worm egg count is a simple, non-invasive test that analyses a dung sample to detect the level of worm eggs present.Â
By testing first, you can take a responsible, evidence-based approach to parasite control. Essential with the rising problems of drug resistance we're facing.
We're here to provide you with peace of mind for your horse's health this Spring, with our range of easy to use, award winning lab tests and free vet approved advice from our friendly experts.Â
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redworm
If you blood tested or treated for the possibility of encysted redworm in the late autumn/winter then now is the time to resume the regular testing programme. Don't delay your worm counts this Spring to make sure you're on top of any potential problems.
Tapeworm time
We’re also advised to consider tapeworm every six months, either in Spring and Autumn or Summer and Winter, so you may need to address this too, our preference always being to test first. Target tapeworm with an EquiSal saliva test to determine whether you need to dose or not; only 27% of horses tested for tapeworm actually need a wormer for it so odds on you'll be saving giving another wormer.
Pinworm
The other parasite to keep an eye out for is the perennial pinworm problem which has also been extremely prevalent this year – perhaps because horses are kept in closer confinement over the winter and so are more likely to reinfect themselves from where they rub.
Watch for signs of tail rubbing or discomfort, a sticky substance around the anus or bean sprout type worms appearing in the droppings. Check with an adhesive tape test if you suspect a problem.
Mares & Foals
If you’re expecting foals on the ground this year congratulations! Foals and youngstock require much more proactive treatment than older horses, you can find our handy guide for worming mares and foals here.
Stay vigilant this Spring and if you need any help with your worming then please contact our friendly team for free, veterinary approved advice.
SEASON PACKS
A cost effective way to organise your routine tests for the year is with our great value 4Count Season Packs containing everything you need for one horse for a year, or it can be split for multiple horses.
The 4Count pack contains x4 worm counts for redworm and ascarids, while the 4Count Plus pack also contains x2 EquiSal saliva tests for tapeworm.
Both packs offer a great value way to target your horse’s redworm and roundworm control for the year ahead.
SUBSCRiption service
Spring is the perfect time to choose our award winning subscription programme for the ultimate in simplicity and peace of mind for your parasite control.
With six different subscription types to suit your horse and your budget and helping you spread the costs of parasite control across the year, you receive a bespoke plan for each horse and the tests needed to target the right parasites at the right time, sent direct to your door.Â
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