If you haven't already made a plan to tackle the possibility of encysted redworm, now is the time to do this!
If you blood tested or treated for the possibility of encysted redworm in the autumn months, then now is the time to resume your regular testing programme.
Follow the information below to help determine what the best plan is for your horse this winter.
KEY TESTS THIS SEASON
WINTER PARASITE CONTROL MEANS:
✅ Worm egg count for redworm and ascarids
✅ Work out your horse's parasite risk using advice from CANTER HERE or use the What's Your Worm Risk tool from Austin Davis Biologics.
✅ Consider whether testing and or treatment for tapeworm is required.
✅ Manage dung, grazing, treatment and biosecurity to reduce risk and reinfection.
🟢 Low risk horses are recommended a blood test for small redworm.
🔴 Medium and high risk horses are advised a proactive treatment with a larvicidal for the possibility of encysted redworm.
🔺 Annual test for large redworm for those at risk
Horse Worm Treatment Prescribing Options
Testing with Westgate means advice from our qualified SQP's is included, so please contact us to ensure you are using the correct chemical for every horse based on their risk profile, the parasites seen and the time of year. You can find general advice on treatments and what the worm your horse with here.
Put Your Horse First This WINTER
With Westgate, you get more than a result. Our experienced team of SQPs support thousands of animal owners, yards, veterinary practices and prescribers with practical, independent parasite control advice. From assessing individual risk, interpreting results and providing treatment advice to exploring improvements in grazing management, we’re here to help our customers every step of the way, with no extra costs.
If you are subscribed to the All Seasons parasite control programme, then everything you need will be sent out to you at the right time with your winter plan in accordance with your horse's individual programme. Tailored advice with what to do and when for all the horses in your care over winter is also included.
HAS THE TREATMENT BEEN EFFECTIVE?
Just because you give a wormer it doesn’t mean it’s done the job we intended it to do. Resistance problems are rising across the five chemicals we have licenced to treat parasites in horses. Whichever drug you choose the winter dose is an ideal time to add in a reduction test to your programme.
If your winter worm egg count is positive, treat with the appropriate product and do a follow-up worm count 10-14 days after worming to ensure efficacy of the drug.
Results from previous winter reduction testing revealed that 40% of horses wormed for encysted redworm with fenbendazole and 2.8% of horses wormed with moxidectin had parasites that were showing some resistance to the wormer. Tests also showed 50% of horses with a positive redworm count that had been treated with moxidectin had been under-dosed, leaving those horses more susceptible to developing resistant strains of redworm.
Advice for the season ahead
Look ahead to spring using the link below:
Get in touch...
As ever, the Westgate team are here to offer a great laboratory based testing service to help all our customers get the best out of their results, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can email, phone or even join the wormy chat on our lively Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages, no question too small!
