Current Perspectives on Parasite Management in Equidae

The intestinal parasites of equidae represent a potential threat to health and welfare. The association between certain parasites and colic, diarrhoea and weight loss are well established. The mainstay of parasite control has traditionally been the extensive use of anthelmintic drugs but it is now recognised that this situation is not sustainable. The widespread emergence of anthelmintic resistance, and environmental concerns have forced a reconsideration of “best practice.” This presentation will review the options for parasite control and will highlight the need for an integrated approach that involves pasture management, diagnostic testing and the selective use of anthelmintics.

Diagnostic testing to monitor parasite burdens is particularly helpful because: 

• It identifies which parasites infect a particular group of horses.
• It identifies the individual horses with heaviest parasite burdens.
• It can quantify parasite burden.
• It can be used to monitor efficacy of the worm control programme.

The use of strongyle egg counts and both coprological and serological tests for tapeworms will be considered. The practical application of diagnostic testing will be illustrated with a case study.

“One size fits all” is not appropriate when applied to worm control strategies for equidae. No single worm control programme is appropriate for all animals. Groups of horses and donkeys are managed in very different ways and their exposure to and risk from parasite infection varies greatly. This variation calls for worm control programmes that are tailored to the needs of different groups. This concept will be illustrated with a case study. The principles of targeted and strategic use of anthelmintics will be discussed.