Strangles
Strangles
What is Strangles, how to prevent your horse from getting it, and how to look after your horse during an outbreak?
Think before using wormers...
Effective worm control relies on a combination of targeted treatment following testing and making use of other methods of worm control.
How does the WormWise Programme work?
In winter, the redworm larvae can burrow into the gut walls becoming encysted; only certain wormers are effective against this stage of the redworm. Traditionally it has been advised that all horses receive a winter wormer; however this is causing increased resistance to our most crucial worming drugs.
Up to date guidelines advise that routine treatment with winter wormers is not needed in low risk horses; a more individual approach to winter worming is required to ensure our worming drugs work well when needed. Therefore, in early winter after the 3rd worm egg count, the WormWise Programme includes a worm risk assessment.
This phone consultation with one of our vets or SQPs will be an individualised risk assessment to determine your horse’s risk and need for a winter wormer. Should your horse require a winter wormer, this will be discounted for those on the WormWise Programme.
A healthy adult horse can follow a pattern of testing and treating as required. A faecal sample is taken 3 x throughout the grazing season (Spring - March/April, Summer - June/July, and Autumn - September) to check for the presence of redworm / roundworm eggs. If results are low, there will be no need to worm.
If medium or high, the practice will advise you whether to worm and what wormer to use. The aim is not to remove every worm, but to maintain a low population of worms that are still susceptible (not resistant) to the wormers we have available.
A test for tapeworm (EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Test) should be performed every 6-12 months and we recommend doing this in summer, or at least 6 months after any wormers containing praziquantel (Equest Pramox/ Equimax/ Eqvalan Duo). This is a simple test performed by the owner at home to sample the horse’s saliva.
The WormWise Programme Kit includes
- 3 x Worm Egg Counts
- 3 x Sample Postage Bags
- 1 x EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Test
- 1 x Worm Risk Assessment - Phone consultation with one of our Vets or Suitably Qualified Person (SQPs)
- Discount on a winter wormer if required
Season |
Month |
Test |
|---|---|---|
Spring |
March/April |
1st WEC for redworm and ascarids |
Summer |
June/July |
2nd WEC & EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Test |
Autumn |
September |
3rd WEC |
Winter |
November/December |
Worm risk assessment |
It's Easy
Drop off or post the sample to the Stables Equine Practice Clinic on the same day as collection.
Which worms are covered by the test?
Which worms are covered by the test?
When testing your horses faecal sample we will be looking for:
- Strongyle eggs (Redworm)
- Ascarids (Roundworm)
The most common intestinal parasite that is a threat to equines is redworm. Roundworm can also be found, but is most commonly a problem in foals or previously neglected horses.
Tapeworm eggs can be found in a faecal sample, but they will not always be seen, even if your horse has tapeworm. We recommend using the EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Test
Facts about worms
Wormer resistance is a problem on a global level and is more likely when wormers are used frequently.
- 80% of horses naturally have a very low worm burden, so it is unnecessary to worm most horses regularly.
- Regularly worming your horse does not always prevent a high worm burden.
- Resistance to wormers can be a problem; by only worming horses with a high worm egg count, it reduces the number of potentially resistant eggs being shed onto pasture by horses which have been treated.
- Good management is also important in making worm control effective:
• Frequent poo picking
• Co-grazing with cattle or sheep
• Smaller grazing groups if possible
• Dose horses correctly when they need worming
Wormer resistance is a problem on a global level and is more likely when wormers are used frequently.
- 80% of horses naturally have a very low worm burden, so it is unnecessary to worm most horses regularly.
- Regularly worming your horse does not always prevent a high worm burden.
- Resistance to wormers can be a problem; by only worming horses with a high worm egg count, it reduces the number of potentially resistant eggs being shed onto pasture by horses which have been treated.
- Good management is also important in making worm control effective:
• Frequent poo picking
• Co-grazing with cattle or sheep
• Smaller grazing groups if possible
• Dose horses correctly when they need worming
Download our informational brochure
If you would like to join WormWise part way through the year please call us to discuss your individual needs.
Please note the WormWise Programme is not suitable for equines aged less than 18 months. Please contact the practice for advice on worming foals or yearlings instead.
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