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Autumn Parasite Control 2026

The lab is seeing more worm egg count results needing treatment, likely influenced by the hot summer weather. This makes keeping on top of your testing this autumn even more important. Good parasite control is also about having the right information and trusted support to make the best decisions. With Westgate, you get more than a result. Read on for our seasonal parasite control advice, including what to test for this autumn.

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Summer '26 Lucky Dip Giveaway

Summer Giveaway

Warm weather can increase parasite risk. To encourage uptake of testing this season, we're offering a daily prize draw, 17th – 28th August 2026, where all worm egg count samples arriving in the lab will automatically be entered into our postbag lucky dip! Get those samples in, because your next tests could be on us!*

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Warm weather linked to higher parasite risk

Don't delay your worm egg counts this summer

Horse worms don't go on holiday! Warm weather is linked to higher parasite risk and horse owners are urged not to delay their testing. New analysis of more than 50,000 UK worm egg count results has highlighted the importance of sticking to 8 to 12 week testing intervals.

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Job Vacancy; we're seeking a trainee lab technician

We're seeking a trainee lab technician in Northumberland

Are you friendly and well organised with an eye for detail? We’re seeking a practical, hard-working, animal loving person, to join our super team on the frontline of delivering animal health services from our busy postal laboratory in rural Northumberland. No previous experience is necessary as full job training will be given, just a willingness to learn and a proactive and enthusiastic approach to practical work is required. Must be physically fit to be on your feet for a few hours doing a repetitive physical activity. A passion for horses, chickens and/or farm animals is an advantage to his role.

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Insect Week 2026

Celebrating the Tiny Creatures That Help Our Pastures Thrive

Insect Week is organised by the Royal Entomological Society to celebrate the fascinating world of insects and highlights the vital roles they play in our environment and ecosystems. For horse owners, one group of insects deserves particular recognition, our wonderful dung beetles. Find out how these remarkable insects work tirelessly behind the scenes, helping to keep our grazing land healthy and productive.

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Westgate Labs Celebrates the First Ever National SQP Week

5th - 12th June 2026

We're celebrating the first ever National SQP Week, a nationwide campaign celebrating the vital role that Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), also known as Animal Medicines Advisors, play in supporting animal health and welfare across the UK. Find out about our expert SQP's and details of our week long prize giveaway!

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Summer Parasite Control 2026

This Summer Start with a Worm Egg Count! Every season brings its problems and summer is no exception. So while the battle to control flies is a visible daily trial at this time of year it’s important to remember about other parasites too such as intestinal worms, pinworm, bots, ticks and summer sores that might affect the health of our horses. Parasite control is not a single product or a one off decision, it's a process. Find out more about what to consider this season.

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Rogue Redworm; the large strongyle comeback we could all be missing

the large strongyle comeback we could all be missing

Could your horse be infected with large redworm? What would the signs and symptoms be? How could we test to prevent disease? Large redworms are one of the most dangerous parasites that can infect our horses. Once believed to be almost eradicated in the UK, vets and parasitologists are now warning of a potential comeback. In this video we examine what that looks like, why worm egg counts alone are not enough to protect our horses from this rising threat and what we can do to stay ahead!

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The Power Of Poo Picking

Proven by Research

Resistance means we can no longer reach for a wormer and know it will work. But what if there was another way of reducing parasites that didn’t rely on chemicals? Numerous studies have shown that poo picking can be just as effective as giving a treatment. We're calling horse owners to get more serious about management as a way of tackling the increased threat of disease that wormer resistance poses and to reduce reliance on chemicals.