Parasite Control in Horses: Strategic Deworming for Long-Term Health

Parasite control is a cornerstone of responsible horse management — but the old approach of routine blanket deworming is no longer effective or sustainable. With growing resistance to worming drugs, a targeted strategy guided by faecal worm egg counts (FECs), saliva tests and veterinary advice is essential for protecting your horse’s health and reducing parasite burdens long term.

Why Parasite Control Matters

Internal parasites — including small and large redworms, roundworms, and tapeworms — can cause serious health issues in horses, such as:

· Weight loss and poor condition

· Diarrhoea or colic

· Lethargy and poor performance

· Irreversible gut damage

· In severe cases, death

Foals, young horses, and those with compromised immunity are especially vulnerable.

From Routine to Strategic Deworming

In the past, horses were routinely wormed every 6–12 weeks with rotating products. However, this approach has led to increasing resistance to key anthelmintic (worming) drugs — meaning many products are no longer effective.

Strategic deworming focuses on treating only when necessary, based on evidence such as:

· Faecal worm egg count (FWEC) and saliva testing

· Pasture management practices

· Seasonal parasite patterns

· Individual risk levels and health status

This modern method reduces unnecessary drug use, lowers resistance risk, and supports overall herd health.

The Role of Testing

Faecal worm egg counts measure the number of strongyle eggs in your horse’s droppings. They help identify high shedders, who are more likely to contaminate pasture and spread parasites. Saliva tests are used to test for tapeworm, , as tapeworm eggs don’t show up reliably in standard FWECs.

Best practice:

· Test every 8–12 weeks during grazing season (spring to autumn)

· Perform and FWEC two weeks after worming – called a reduction test – to ensure the wormer has worked

· Test for tapeworm by doing a saliva test, as tapeworm eggs don’t show up reliably in standard FWECs.

· Always weigh your horse (or use a weigh tape) to ensure correct dosing. Under-dosing contributes to resistance.

Pasture and Yard Management

Good management can significantly reduce worm exposure and break the parasite life cycle:

· Pick up droppings in all fields frequently

· Avoid overgrazing — rotate or rest paddocks if possible

· Don’t spread untreated manure on grazing fields

· Graze horses of similar age together (e.g., avoid turning out foals with adults)

· Quarantine and test new arrivals before introducing them to grazing herds

Veterinary Planning: A Collaborative Approach

Work with your vet to create a bespoke parasite control plan based on your horse’s age, grazing habits, and environment. Your vet may recommend:

· When to perform FWECs and saliva tests

· Which products are effective in your area

· How to test for tapeworm or encysted larvae

· Appropriate strategies for foals, pregnant mares, and older horses

A well-informed approach ensures your horse is protected — and that dewormers remain effective for years to come.

Remember: test, don’t guess — and always consult your vet before making changes to your worming routine

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