Whichever of our services you choose, we're here to give you full support and the benefit of our experience. We provide plenty of information about how to run parasite control programmes based on counts and tests.
Any further worming questions you have can be addressed to our friendly, qualified staff to help you relate the results to your customers. If you come across an unusual worming scenario that you're not sure of we're very happy to talk it through so you can sense check your response. All of our advise is given in line with current British Veterinary Association best practice and backed up by our inhouse vet.
EVERY HORSE NEEDS A WORM EGG COUNT
Routine worming without testing is an outdated practice that can lead to parasite resistance, a growing concern in equine healthcare.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 (WECs) and strategic testing, owners can reduce unnecessary treatments, improve horse health, and help protect the future efficacy of wormers.
Good, modern worming programmes are based on worm counts. A worm egg count is a simple, non-invasive test that analyses a dung sample to detect the level of worm eggs present. Westgate Labs makes this process easy with their postal laboratory service, offering rapid, reliable results and expert guidance.
Veterinary advice recommends that all horses are regularly tested throughout the grazing season. The British Veterinary Association has guidelines for worming all grazing animals, designed to reduce resistance to anthelmintics:
- Use regular faecal egg counts and only worm those animals who need it.
- Target the drug used to the parasite to be treated.
- Emphasise the importance of not underdosing.
- Advise that newly treated animals should NOT necessarily be moved immediately onto clean pasture.
- Emphasise quarantining and testing of incoming animals.
- Investigate and report suspected cases of resistance to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
A Smarter Approach to Worming
Parasite control isn’t a one-and-done process. Regular WECs throughout the grazing season are essential for staying ahead of parasites. A tailored worm control plan should include:
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Worm egg counts every 8-12 weeks to monitor strongyle egg shedding.
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Targeted tapeworm testing every six months, as tapeworms do not show in WECs.
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A risk-based approach to encysted small redworm, assessed in winter to either test and/or treat.
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Good pasture management, including regular poo picking and rotational grazing strategies.
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Westgate Laboratories is a member of the British Equestrian Trade Association and Associate Foundation Partners of AHDA. We have been dedicated to improving equestrian health since 1999.
