We haven’t had any autumn frost yet, and although it may be tempting to deworm now with a broad-spectrum product to target encysted red bloodworm larvae, it’s too early! The past year was mostly wet and mild, which means red bloodworms may still be actively present in the pasture. Deworming now to tackle the encysted stages increases the risk of reinfection after treatment, especially if horses are still out 24/7 or spend a lot of time on pasture.
The advice is to wait until the weather has clearly shifted. The activity of small red bloodworms drops significantly when soil temperatures fall below 6°C, so we look for winter conditions with several consecutive days where daytime temperatures stay under that mark. This typically occurs between late December and February. This advice applies to healthy adult horses. Depending on the latest manure test, young or older horses may need special attention.
If you haven’t tested since July, now is the time for an autumn worm test. Based on the results, a dewormer may be needed now, followed by treatment for encysted red bloodworm once winter temperatures are low enough. Of course, this is always tailored advice. All our clients will receive a personalised end-of-year recommendation by email in November.
If you're unsure what to do, please contact us for free, expert advice to ensure you’re making the right choice for your horse’s health.
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