The Equine Worm Debate… To worm or not to worm?
Experts now agree that good equine worm control starts with using worm count tests and only adding wormer doses as they are needed. There is a belief that worms are evolving to become resistant to some worming drugs, especially those which have been around for a long time.
Using worm counts and tests
Whether you have a single horse/pony kept on an individual paddock or a busy yard with mixed turnout, a targeted approach can work for you.
How does the worm test work?
A dung sample is taken approximately three times a year to check for the presence of redworm and roundworm. If all is well, then no need to worm.
Treat or test for tapeworm every six months.
Complete the year by treating for possible encysted redworm in winter. Foals, youngsters, neglected or older equines will require more attention.
Is it costly?
The main aim of using a targeted programme is to have a healthier horse with good worm control but one of the side benefits is that it is usually a less expensive option.
The test
Westgate Lab use the industry standard ‘modified Mcmaster’ egg count method including a centrifuge for standard worm egg counts and liver fluke tests – far superior to simple strained methods which you might find elsewhere.
Sellotape tests for pinworm and sedimentation tests for lungworm are also available.
How to get started
Vale Gardens and Westgate Labs work together to make the whole programme easy for Equine owners to follow. Simply pop in to Vale Gardens shop and ask for a ‘Worm Test Kit’.
The kit includes a prepaid envelope to Westgate, a sample pot and request form.
Each individual kit costs £9.95* plus £1 postage charge per prepaid envelope (multiple kits for one owner can be sent in the same envelope)