Good, modern worming programmes are based on worm counts. The British Veterinary Association has issued 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 for 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.
Horse worms are evolving to become resistant to some worming drugs. This means that we can no longer rely on keeping horses worm-free purely by giving them wormers.
Worm Counting and Advice
Horse Worm Treatment Prescribing Options & Resistance Status