>> A Targeted Worming Programme
Please read the notes on this page carefully as they will help you to decide whether a targeted worming programme will be suitable for your horse keeping arrangements.
- It is best if horses can be kept so that they are with the same grazing companions, not constantly changing groups.
- The fields should be kept as clear of droppings as is reasonably possible, poo-picked at least twice a week.
- There should be adequate grazing for the numbers of animals kept, preferably with rest periods for the pasture.
- Cross grazing with other species is beneficial.
- New horses joining the herd should be worm counted and then wormed for encysted worms and tapeworm, before joining the others.
When first starting to use a targeted worming programme all horses should be tested, at a point when worming is due or slightly overdue, so as to get a true result.
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A sample targeted worming programme
- for healthy horses, kept at low risk from worms - |
| December |
Worm for encysted redworm e.g. with Equest or Panacur Equine Guard (if no resistance present). Equest also treats bots. Equest Pramox also treats tapeworm |
March |
1 Worm count all horses. Worm any with a count of 200 + epg.
No need to worm any with low or clear counts. |
June |
2 Worm count as above |
September |
3 Worm count as above
Worm for tapeworm if not done already e.g. with Equitape or double pyrantel |
December |
Worm as for last December |
March |
Begin worm counts again |
If you are getting good results on this system then you can widen the gaps between counts as time goes on, but at first it is important that you don’t leave too long a gap.
You may want to add a spring tapeworm dose to the above, or perhaps to use a combined wormer such as Equimax or Eqvalan-duo if you need to treat redworm and tapeworm at the same time.
It is important to worm for encysted redworm in the winter, even if the counts are clear as parasites can remain in the dormant larval stage for a long time within the horse before making their presence known as mature egg-laying adults.
This plan is only one of many possibilities but will give you an idea of how targeted worming works. We are always here to help you with the plan that will suit your horses so do get in touch.
Why not have a chat with your vet before you start?
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