Threadworm infections (Strongyloides westeri) occur in young foals. The source of infection for the foal is the mother. Shortly after birth, a dormant infection in the mare becomes active, and the larvae are passed to the foal through the mare’s milk. Within 10 days after ingestion, the larvae can already develop into adult worms, which then excrete eggs via the manure. The larvae hatching from these eggs can penetrate the foal’s skin, allowing the young animal to become reinfected.
Clinical signs seen in young foals up to about 1 month old include diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, and refusal to drink milk. Fortunately, such infections are very rare. The presence of the characteristic thin-walled eggs containing a larva confirms the infection. A high egg count can also be found in older foals, but such infections rarely cause symptoms. If you suspect a severe threadworm infection, we advise you to contact your veterinarian immediately so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. Fecal testing also counts threadworm eggs and can provide treatment advice if needed. If you want to know whether your foal is infected, we recommend sending in a manure sample from your foal from the age of 10 days. Good stable hygiene is essential to prevent serious infections. Therefore, remove (foal) manure daily, keep the stable dry, and regularly replace bedding.
If a fecal test shows that your foal is infected with threadworms, we will provide you with a personalized treatment plan. This way, your foal’s health comes first and unnecessary deworming can be avoided. Please feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. Our enthusiastic team is happy to help!
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