Advice is to add reduction testing into your worm control programme at least annually to check the efficacy of the worming chemicals you are giving your horse.
The more regularly we expose worms to the chemicals the more quickly resistance can develop. This shows up first as reduced egg reappearance times to the chemicals - so a chemical such as moxidectin is licensed as effective for 13 weeks. The first sign of resistance developing would be the appearance of worm eggs in a worm egg count at 10- 12 weeks for example.
Then as resistance develops the wormer ceases to be effective against the burden. We can measure this on a reduction test.
- After a positive worm egg count for redworm or roundworm that requires treatment, conduct a second worm egg count 10-14 days after worming.
If sufficient dose has been administered correctly for the weight of the animal and the follow-up test is showing a reduction of less than 95% efficacy to the targeted parasite(s) then some resistant worms are present. For example a medium worm egg count between 200 and 1150 e.p.g. should reduce to <50 epg and a high worm egg count of 1200 e.p.g .should reduce to less than 100 e.p.g. on a follow-up test.
There is already widespread redworm resistance to fenbendazole and pyrantel based products that have been on the market for a long time and, more worryingly, localised resistance to moxidectin documented in some areas of the country. Where resistance is suspected should consult your worming advisor (a vet or SQP) for advice.
To encourage horse owners to test for resistant worms, Westgate Labs offer price reductions on follow-up worm egg count tests. To take advantage of this special offer customers must have tested previously within 4 weeks OR administered a wormer for the possibility of encysted redworm and include the box end of the wormer containing the batch code with the faecal sample.
Direct From the Lab
Order a pack through or secure online shop. Your pack will contain all you need to collect and send samples including a postage paid return envelope and pre- paid vouchers for the laboratory testing along with plenty of helpful information.
NB. Reduction tests can also be completed for tapeworm; following a positive EquiSal saliva test for tapeworm treat with a recommended drug and EquiSal test again two months later.
