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Equine
wormers
and their
distinct chemical groups
FEBENDAZOLE &
MEBENDAZOLE
BASED WORMERS
Fenbendazole &
Mebendazole based
products are used less and less nowadays in routine worming as there is confirmed
resistance to them. In some cases they still have a role to play when
used as part of a rotational system but so it is best to take expert
advice before relying on products within that group to control worm
burden.
Ascertain that your horse is infected with worms that are susceptible
to it by taking a dung sample and having an egg count done..
By using a 5-day
course of a fenbendazole-based wormer between October and
March small redworm encysted larvae
acquired during the grazing season will be removed. If an early dosage
is administered this treatment can
be repeated again in February to remove larvae acquired during the
winter months. This will also help reduce the levels of infective
larvae on the pasture the following spring.
MOXIDECTIN BASED WORMERS
A Moxidectin based
wormer has an ability to kill encysted developing cyathostome larvae
(small redworm)
in a single standard dose. Studies have indicated that the ingredient
Moxidectin, suppresses egg reappearance and therefore leads to a long
dosing interval for small redworm control. Moxidectin based Wormers
are also effective against large redworm, pinworms,
stomach worms, Intestinal threadworms, Ascarids ( adult and larval
stages) and will also treat for bots.
IVERMECTIN BASED WORMERS
Worms are an
ever-present threat even during winter months. Worms can survive frost
and snow so even a short time on pasture during winter months can be
enough for horses to pick up a new infection. Used routinely
throughout the winter months, lvermectin based wormers will reduce the
risk of infestation. The interval between treatments can be up to 10
weeks and in a single dose it will give effectiveness against both
larval and adult stages of the important parasites of horses,
including small redworms. lvermectin based Wormers control parasites
that are resistant to benzimidazole-based wormers. Ivermectin based
wormers control Pinworms, Intestinal Threadworms, Large-mouthed
stomach worms, Lungworms, Neck threadworms and Ascarids.
lvermectin based Wormers will also control bots when given as a single
dose.
PYRANTEL BASED WORMERS
Products based on
Pyrantel are effective against most adult roundworms so have a role to
play in rotational worming. They need to be administered at twice the
standard dose when being used for the treatment of tapeworm. If your horse is
stabled on straw or other products where mites can survive then this
double dose twice a year will ensure adequate control of tapeworm
infestations. The Tapeworm lifecycle is 6 months so although treatment
once a year (late September/early October) may well be adequate in
some cases it is recommended that you do treat twice per year
to break the cycle.
A new study has
shown that 69% of horses have a tapeworm burden and horse with
tapeworm are up to 8 times more likely to suffer from colic. The
timing of the tapeworm control doses is based on the life cycle of the
worms.
PRAZIQUANTEL BASED WORMERS
Products using
praziquantel can be a very effective treatment for all three known
species of equine tapeworm in a
single dose, again being most effective twice a year. Products that
contain ivermectin as well as praziquantel can be used all year as
they are also an effective treatment against bots and round worms.
Products that contain only praziquantel as the active ingredient give
owners the option of treating for tape worm without also treating for
roundworm thus helping to reduce the risk of equine anthelmintic
resistance building up. This should still be as part of a annually
rotated worming scheme with the other distinct chemical groups but
care should be taken with regard to encysted small redworm larvae where a treatment
using a 5-day course of a fenbendazole-based product or a Moxidectin
based product should be considered.
ANNUAL WORMING PROGRAMME
When rotating your
worming products of choice make sure you are choosing a different
ingredient not just a different brand. Develop an
effective worming programme on an annual basis using tactical worming
for specific parasites and rotating active ingredients during the
grazing season (not each time you worm
your horse). Select one of the distinct chemical groups, which are:
|
MACROCYCLIC LACTONES |
lvermectin and Moxidectin |
|
TETRAHYDROPIRIMIDINES |
Pyrantel |
|
BENZIMIDAZOLES |
Fenbendazole, Mebendazole,
Oxibendazole |
Products based solely on
Praziquantel have a role to play in
tapeworm control but must be used in conjunction with products based on
the three main chemical groups.
|
PRAZIOUANTEL |
Praziquantel |
Use your
selected group during a 12-18 month period with particular emphasis to
rotation during the grazing season. The gazing season is
basically the summer months and although your selection of products
may well be based on an an annual selection it is the grazing season
when particular attention should be paid to rotation of the active
ingredients. Out side of the grazing season are the occasions when
specific worming products should be used for tactical equine worming. Change your selected group
annually to a different chemical group so that your stock does not
build up a resistance to wormer use.
There has been evidence of a resistance
building to products in the Benzimidazole group in certain areas so it
is best to take expert advice before relying on products within that
group to control worm burden.
Click here to view a worming calendar
The above guidelines to an effective worming programme are the
opinions of the author and are not the definitive answer. They
are however a base for an effective procedure that can be modified
with the assistance of a professional authorised to
advise on animal health. The author hopes that this article will
help you to care for your horse but cannot be held responsible for any
errors, omissions or changes in acceptable procedure.
HERBAL FORMULATION
Herbal
products are now available using specific combinations of plants to
repel parasites. These plant classes are designed to promote a
good gut micro-flora. As yet the
scientific data available about how effective these herbal preparations are in
combating worm burden is limited so it is best to take expert advice before
relying on herbal products.
Multiworm
A safe natural liquid vermifuge which is a blend of herbal and
botanical extracts from most of which are from organically grown
sources along with Homoeopathic tinctures. Multiworm works by
creating a totally alien environment in the stomach(s) which adult
endo-parasites cannot tolerate this causes them to be rapidly
expelled from the host.
Multiworm is effective with horses dogs and cats, poultry homing
pigeons, smaller avians and farm animals. It has been in use for
over 10 years and is considered as a serious safe alternative to
chemical wormers. Not only does it repel the worms it also works to
aid a good micro-flora and digestive balance and a stronger immune
response.
Multiworm does not kills worms, it expels them, however when
expelled they quickly die by de-hydration of body fluid and
evaporation of external mucous layers. It does not kills eggs or
larvae so needs using in a regular monthly programme and followed up
by worm counts no sooner than 10 weeks after the first dose.
Multiworm is non-specific in action, it covers all internal
parasites that are in the stomach(s), it is important to remember
that encysted red worm larvae are encysted in the gut wall as as
such Multiworm has no effect here, however when they travel into the
stomach they too will be expelled from the host.
Multiworm can be added to the drinking water, which is best for
poultry, smaller animals and birds for horses I can also be added to
the drinking water but be wary that the bucket does not get tipped
over. An alternative is to add it to the feed or into a treat or a
bread roll. Multiworm is very cost effective with the 500ml bottle
lasting the average sized horse for 7 months.
The ingredients in Multiworm have been accepted by The Jockey Club
as not being banned substances and they do not contravene the rules
of racing.
Multiworm is classed as a non-medicinal product after consultation
with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
Verm-X
This combination of
herbs are to aid the body to repel parasites.
Horses should be fed 2
scoops per day for 5 days if possible split over 2 feeds. Using Verm-X
over 5 days will enable it to work on the parasites that may be in the
adult stage but also the larvae that my be resident in the gut wall. Verm-X
is 100% herbal and contains no chemicals and does not
contravene current FEI or Jockey Club rules.
These formulations are complimentary feeding stuffs and are non toxic
and completely safe. Verm-X can be used as part of a conventional
worming programme.10-12 weeks should be allowed between
administrations.
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