Breaking the Parasite Lifecycle Mechanically
Effective parasite control does not rely on chemicals alone. One of the most powerful tools available is simple, consistent dung management.
Parasites depend on dung to complete their lifecycle. Worm eggs are passed in droppings and, under the right conditions, hatch within four to five days. The resulting larvae migrate away from the dung and climb surrounding grass, where they are then ingested by grazing horses. By removing droppings before eggs hatch and larvae develop, you can break this cycle mechanically, without relying on chemicals.
Poo Pick Regularly
Removing droppings from fields and tracks at least twice a week significantly reduces the number of infective larvae developing on pasture. Since eggs typically hatch within four to five days, poo picking twice weekly is sufficient to reduce infection pressure in most grazing systems. In smaller paddocks or high traffic areas, more frequent removal can have an even greater impact.
This simple management step reduces reinfection risk, supports responsible worming and helps protect the long term effectiveness of treatments.
Supporting Dung Beetles
If your grazing management allows, consider leaving the freshest dung piles in place for up to 48 hours before removal. Dung beetles prefer fresh dung and play an important role in pasture health and by breaking down and burying dung, dung beetles help remove the medium in which parasite eggs incubate. Without this environment, worm eggs are less able to hatch and develop into motile larvae, reducing the opportunity for reinfection.
A practical approach is to leave the freshest piles for up to 48 hours to support beetle activity, then clear remaining droppings after three days.
Muck Heap Management
Where and how you store manure also matters. Place muck heaps at least three metres away from adjacent grazing land. Motile larvae can travel this far from droppings and potentially re infect grazing areas if heaps are positioned too close to pasture.
If returning muck to the land to improve soil health, ensure it has undergone a proper thermophilic composting process, reaching temperatures between 55°C and 65°C, or has been left to rot down for at least 12 months. This helps destroy parasite eggs and reduces the risk of reintroducing infection when spreading back on the land.
A Practical, Evidence Led Approach
Dung management is one of the most effective, sustainable ways to reduce parasite risk. By removing droppings regularly, supporting dung beetle activity, managing muck heaps carefully and resting grazing where possible, you can lower reinfection pressure and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.
As part of the wider Risk Assess, Test, Manage framework, good dung management helps create a parasite control plan that works with nature, protects pasture health and supports long term equine wellbeing.