Spring is when parasite pressure builds and management choices matter most.
No matter the size, breed, or workload of a horse, all equines are at risk of internal parasites.
if you blood tested or treated for the possibility of encysted redworm in the late autumn/winter then now is the time to resume the regular testing programme.
Parasite control is not a single product or a one off decision, it's a process. Testing gives you vital information, but what happens next is just as important. How you manage dung, grazing, treatment and biosecurity all influence parasite risk and reinfection.
Spring worm control means it's time to Risk Assess, Test, then Manage what happens next:
- Risk assess every horse
- worm egg count every 8-12 weeks for redworm and ascarids
- EquiSal test for tapeworm if you haven't in the last six months
- look out for bots, pinworm and ticks
- Plan carefully for any foaling mares
- Manage dung, grazing, treatment and biosecurity to reduce risk and reinfection.
Young, old and rescue horses will need more consideration at this time of year than healthy adult horses.
Routine worming without testing is an outdated approach that can contribute to parasite resistance. However, even when owners test regularly, poor pasture or dung management can allow parasite burdens to rebuild quickly, increasing reliance on treatments and putting pressure on wormer effectiveness.
Good parasite management includes regular poo picking to remove worm eggs from pasture, sensible grazing strategies to avoid overstocking, resting and rotating land where possible, and careful management of horses following treatment to reduce environmental contamination and reinfection.
Spring is a particularly important time to focus on management, as increased grazing and favourable weather conditions allow parasites to thrive. Making small, practical changes during this period can significantly reduce infection pressure throughout the season.
We're here to provide you with peace of mind for your horse's health this Spring, with a range of easy to use, award winning lab tests and expert advice from our friendly and knowledgeable team of SQP's included in all our tests and services.
Mares & Foals
If you’re expecting foals on the ground this year congratulations! Foals and youngstock require much more proactive treatment than older horses, you can find our handy guide for worming mares and foals here.
Stay vigilant this Spring and if you need any help with your worming then please contact our friendly team for free, veterinary approved advice.
other parasites to be aware of this season
PINWORM
The other parasite to keep an eye out for is the perennial pinworm problem which has also been extremely prevalent in recent years – perhaps because horses are kept in closer confinement over the winter and so are more likely to reinfect themselves from where they rub.
Watch for signs of tail rubbing or discomfort, a sticky substance around the anus or bean sprout type worms appearing in the droppings.
LIVER FLUKE
If your horse is grazing very wet/marshy land with reeds and/or cross grazed with sheep or cows then you might want to include an annual liver fluke test, March-May.
LARGE REDWORM
Samples can be submitted from individual horses or composite samples sent, made from up to four horses grouped by grazing or stable arrangements. Please allow two weeks from the sample’s arrival at the lab for culture and results.
Annual testing for large redworm is especially recommended for:
- Studs and breeding operations with youngstock
- Competition and sales yards with frequent international movement
- Properties with high stocking density or recent horse introductions
- Horses on minimal or selective worming schedules
cUSTOMER fAVOURITES
SEASON PACKS
A cost effective way to organise your routine tests for the year is with our great value 4Count Season Packs containing everything you need for one horse for a year, or it can be split for multiple horses.
The 4Count pack contains x4 worm counts for redworm and ascarids, while the 4Count Plus pack also contains x2 EquiSal saliva tests for tapeworm.
Both packs offer a great value way to target your horse’s redworm and roundworm control for the year ahead.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
Spring is the perfect time to choose our award winning subscription programme for the ultimate in simplicity and peace of mind for your parasite control.
With six different subscription types to suit your horse and your budget and helping you spread the costs of parasite control across the year, you receive a bespoke plan for each horse and the tests needed to target the right parasites at the right time, sent direct to your door.
