Microsoft word - equine_deworming_protocol_new.doc

Wellington Veterinary Clinic
Po Box 387 45015 St. Rt. 18
Wellington, OH 44090
(440) 647-4100
In our efforts to keep you informed about new products and changes in procedures, we are informing you of the current recommendations for deworming your horses. We are
promoting a strategic parasite control program for horse two years of age and older based
on the life cycles of the common worms found in horses in this northern climate. Horses can be
infected with large strongyles, small strongyles, roundworms, pinworms, hairworms,
stomach worms, tapeworms and bots.

Deworming protocols were previously structured for simplicity and efficacy. As of recent, parasite resistance to available deworming medication is on the rise. This resistance may in part be related to the use of generic deworming protocols to every horse, instead of customizing a plan for each individual horse. We are now strongly recommending a change in deworming practices due to resistance now being seen in parasites. Fecal egg counts are an important part of customizing a strategic program for each horse individually. There is not a universally agreed upon threshold of Eggs Per Gram (EPG) of feces for initiating treatment. Neither is it practical nor healthy to try to achieve or maintain a zero EPG count. The range seen in literature is 200-500 EPG. At this time we recommend using 200 EPG as your threshold. We recommend having every horse's fecal egg count checked between March 15th – April 15th and again between July 15th – August 15th every year. Twenty percent of your herd represents 80% of the environmental contamination. Identifying these high shedders is important to prevent pasture contamination. Along with strategic use of dewormer, farm hygiene is essential to the parasite control program. The parasite’s offspring that pass from the horse onto the spring pasture comprises 95% of that year's parasite population while 5% overwinter. Stocking density plays an important role. Greater than one horse per acre increases your herd's exposure. Ways to alleviate high stock density are by removing the manure piles from the pasture and other turn out areas two times per week, segregating high fecal egg count horses (greater than 500 EPG) from the pasture and treating with an effective dewormer for your farm before turning out, rotating pastures, which means no horses on an idle pasture for at least 4 months. More solutions are available as are protocols for foals and horse under 2 years of age, which can be discussed with our doctors at your wellness visits. Disclaimer: No single deworming program is appropriate for every farm. Factors that must be considered in designing a deworming program include location, whitetail deer exposure, pasture capacity, population and ages of horsess, weather, etc. The information above is a good template for parasite control, but does not replace risk evaluation by your veterinarian. PARASITE
SYMPTOMS
FECAL EGG COUNTS AND DEWORMING RECOMMENDATIONS


March/April---Perform a fecal egg count. Weight tape your horse and administer appropriate amount of
ivermectin or moxidectin (Quest). With moxidectin be careful not to over dose or use it on
horses younger than 4 months of age—Will cause illness and/or death!
July/August---Perform a fecal egg count. If greater than 200 EPG of feces, weight tape your horse and administer appropriate amount of ivermectin. Oct/Nov-------Weight tape your horse and administer appropriate amount of an ivermectin or moxidectin product that also contains praziquantel for tapeworms. *If you are wanting to test the efficacy of the deworming medication you are using, recheck a FEC 10-14 days after administration. The count should be decreased 90-95%.
NOTE: Any new horses brought to your farm should be quarantined until a fecal egg count is performed.
Then deworm with a Panacur Powerpac 5 days in a row, no matter what time of the year. This will
minimize pasture contamination.

Source: http://www.wvc.relmax.net/forms/equine_deworming_protocol_new.pdf