Using diagnostics in supporting sustainable worm control in horses

Abstract

Anthelmintic resistance in horses is an ongoing problem. Changes in methods of worming – from group worming to testing individual horses and worming appropriately – are important to help prevent any further resistance developing. There are various methods to test for worm burdens in horses, including faecal egg counts, blood tests and saliva tests. This article discusses these methods in relation to specific species of gastrointestinal parasites, in addition to how pasture management can be used to help maintain low levels of resistance.