Worming

It’s Time to Change

If you are still using an old fashioned worming program based on giving drugs at regular intervals, it’s time to change. These days a good worming program should be based on worm counts; with only the appropriate drugs used when needed. We should only be worming horses that have worms which sounds sensible doesn’t it.

Why give medicines when there is no need? Wormers become ineffective as worms become tolerant to the drugs used.

MOXIDECTIN is probably the most important drug and should be kept for treating encysted red worm. If you use worm counts three times a year, through spring, summer and autumn; then you would only need to treat for bot, tape and encysted red worm in the autumn and winter months. Using fewer drugs is better for your horse, your pocket and the environment.

Worming Program

We have our own worming program which is designed to make it easier.

We recommended egg worm counts in Spring and Summer months to avoid worm tolerance. Pasture management is also important to reduce worm burdens.

For horse with unknown worming history Equest is recommended. For horses under 5 months of age Panacur is advised. Always ensure to use weigh tape to administer the correct dosage of wormer.

For any further advice with worming please contact us and ask our qualified E-SQP.