![]() ![]() Second de-worming is recommended just before weaning (approximately six months of age). Their first treatment should be at 2-3 months of age, with a benzimidazole drug to ensure efficacy against large roundworms. ![]() Include a tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) at least annually if they are a problem in your region.ĭuring the first year of life foals should receive a minimum of four de-worming treatments. Include treatments against bots (along with removal of bot eggs from the horses’ hair coat), ivermectin & moxidectin are the only available medications for horses with activity against bots. Treatment is best done towards the end of the grazing season when internal parasite burden is at its peak (spring in tropical and subtropical climates). Depending on climatic conditions, one or two yearly treatments are sufficient to prevent occurrence of strongyles. Which active ingredient should I use and when?įocus on control of small strongyles. Praziquantel is the only de-wormer effective at killing tapeworms.Ĭhanging the brand of de-wormer does not mean you are changing the active ingredient, make sure to check the active ingredients. It is recommended that chemical groups be rotated every 3rd time you de-worm, to delay a build-up of resistance in worms to a particular drench chemical. The four main de-worming chemical groups are: New horses to a property should be kept separate from existing horses until their parasite burden is assessed. Pasture rotation may also help by decreasing incidence of overgrazing, thus decreasing ingestion of parasites.įeed horses from buckets or tubs and put hay in racks of hay feeder to avoid contamination with manure. Grazing ruminants in rotation with horses will reduce parasite infestation, because most internal parasites are host specific. Alternative grazing with ruminants and pasture rotation schemes will aid in disrupting the parasite life cycle. Where possible add sheep or cattle to your rotation to cut down on parasite numbers. It can be more difficult to control parasites in a herd if all ages and classes of horses are in a pasture together.Īfter de-worming, pasture should be rested for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks. Yearling horses often need a different control program than a broodmare. ![]() For example, pasture mares and foals away from other horses less than 2 years of age. ![]() Grouping horses in pastures according to age will help minimize young horses coming in contact with heavy larval infestations. Vacuuming or collecting manure in pasture is time consuming, but can be very effective. Harrowing and mowing helps manure to dry out which helps to kill the worm larvae particularly if done in the morning on hot days. In large pastures frequent mowing, harrowing, and rotation of pastures will be effective. The larvae in composted manure will be destroyed if sufficient heat is built up. In small pastures (less than 3 acres) manure should be removed from the paddock at least twice a week and placed in a compost pile. Remove manure from pastures as often as possible. The control of worms can be greatly assisted by good paddock management. Prevention and control Pasture management Creating an effective parasite control program is paramount to you horse's health and well-being and requires a combination of management strategies and de-worming medications. We recommend working together with our vets at Illawarra Equine Centre to develop a program specific to your horse's needs. Drug resistance means the parasites within an animal have the capability of surviving treatment with a particular class or family of de-wormer.ĭeveloping a de-worming program is an essential part of good horse management and will vary according to the age and movement of horses on and off the property. There are many different types of worms and parasites which can cause extensive internal damage without you knowing. The most common types of worms that affect horses are strongyles (large and small), large roundworms (ascarids), pin worms, bots and tapeworms.ĭecades of frequent de-wormer medication has resulted in high levels of drug resistance in small strongyles and ascarid populations. If allowed to become a heavy infestation, worms and other internal parasites can pose a significant threat to the health of horses. ![]()
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