Worm Count FAQs
Some of your common questions about worm counts
Just like bacteria and antibiotics worms are evolving to become resistant to the drugs we have available. We are trying to reduce the amount of times we expose our horses to these chemicals so as to slow down this development. There are only a handful of drugs licenced to treat parasites and already well documented resistance to some. In many cases you will be able to cut down on the amount of chemicals going into your horse and out onto the pasture. You can target the correct wormers at the horse who needs them instead of wasting doses on ‘clean’ horses. As resistance develops it is no longer safe to rely on worming without backing this up with the evidence of worm counts and tests to ensure treatment has been effective.
Buying through our online shop
Receiving and returning your items
Accessibility
when accessing our services
Subscriptions
Information about subscriptions
The All Seasons Subscription service is a monthly payment plan that provides you with access to the Westgate Labs total parasite test control service.
You will be sent the right test at the right time of year in accordance with your bespoke parasite control programme.
As an example the monthly subscription plan for a Healthy Adult Horse provides a worm egg count or appropriate test sent approximately every three months. The monthly subscription plan for a High Risk Horse e.g. foal or veteran horse, provides a worm egg count or appropriate test sent approximately every two months.
Healthy Adult Horse
Subscription includes on average three worm egg counts, one resistance test and two Equisal saliva tests.
Young and High Risk Horse
Subscription includes on average six worm egg counts, one resistance test and two Equisal saliva tests per year.
All Subscription Plans provide access to additional parasite tests such as for resistance, pinworm, lungworm or liver fluke, up to a total value of £25.00 per year, at no further charge to you.
Foals and young horses under the age of four are especially vulnerable as their immune system takes time to mature.
Older horses, horses with laminitis, EMS, ulcers or conditions impacting on their immune function need extra support. Horses that compete or train away from home on a regular basis will be exposed at show venues etc. to areas of potential contamination.
Both groups therefore need a careful and more frequent schedule of tests and treatment to help ensure a healthier life.
Your All Seasons subscription plan is designed to provide your individual horse with a bespoke plan just for them and their individual needs. It is important that you therefore let us know of any changes in circumstances.
If you change your horse then simply cancel* your current subscription. If you want to add another horse then sign up to All Seasons with their details.
* terms and conditions may apply
You can sign up via www.westgatelabs.co.uk/subscribe
Choose which subscription plan is right for your horse then follow the instructions and answer any questions needed to determine the right plan for your horse. Once you have completed all the sign up details, including shipping and payment details, you will receive notification from us of your subscription plan.
At the right time, we will then send you the test you need for your horse to target the correct parasites at the appropriate time of year.
When you receive the test, follow the instructions and pop the sample in the post as instructed. We will then contact you with your results.
If you are unsure what action is needed based on those results, then just contact us and we will be happy to provide you with veterinary approved advice from our qualified SQPs.