Worm resistance is still often underestimated, mostly because horse owners think: it’s not that bad, or it won’t happen to me. As long as it doesn’t affect us, we tend to downplay it.
In recent months, the number of horses with pinworm infections has increased significantly compared to previous years. Why? Because pinworm is highly contagious and has developed resistance to all active substances, making optimal treatment no longer possible. Fortunately, pinworm is relatively harmless and treatment is not always necessary. By keeping the environment and the anal area clean, you can reduce infection. If your horse shows symptoms despite all measures, treatment can be prescribed to reduce the symptoms. Pinworm eggs are extremely contagious, partly because they are sticky. So if your horse rubs somewhere and another horse rubs in the same spot, that horse may become infected too. Keeping the environment and the anus clean is essential to prevent infection.
Unfortunately, we are also seeing resistance in other gastrointestinal worms to various active substances. For example, bloodworms can now only be treated with moxidectin and ivermectin (2 out of the 5 active substances). The duration of effectiveness is also decreasing. Where previously you could test again 3 months after giving Equest Pramox (moxidectin/praziquantel), we now see worm eggs after just 8 weeks. With ivermectin treatment, it used to be 8 weeks, but now eggs are appearing again after just 4 weeks.
Preventing resistance is essential if we want to keep treating our horses effectively. Do you know horse owners who don’t yet use fecal testing? Ask them to contact us so we can explain the risks of routine deworming. Only together can we stop worm resistance! Want more info? Feel free to get in touch.
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