PARASITE CONTROL
Controlling Parasites in Horses
As grazing animals, the possibility of your horse ingesting parasite eggs is very normal. Submitting a periodic fecal sample from your horse to your veterinarian can help determine the prevalence of parasites in the environment.
What can I do to help reduce ingested parasites?
Parasites are naturally found throughout the environment. However, the amount living in any particular environment can be managed by performing the tasks mentioned below.
- Mow and harrow pastures often. Doing so breaks up manure piles and exposes parasite eggs to air and damaging rays of the sun. Or remove manure completely.
- Rotate pastures with other livestock, like cattle or sheep, if possible. Or rest pastures all together.
- In group settings, house and graze horses according to age for maximum efficacy of your deworming program; it reduces exposure to certain parasites.
- Avoid overcrowding the pasture. Ideally, allow 1 acre of grazing per horse.
- Keep feed off the ground with a hay or grain feeder.
- Remove bot eggs from horses’ coats promptly. Wiping daily with a warm, wet towel will stimulate the eggs to hatch early; causing the emerging larvae to dry out and die.
- Rotate between different active ingredients in horse wormers to decrease resistance. View Developing an Equine Rotational Calendar to learn more.
- Consult your veterinarian for the most effective deworming program for you.
How can I tell if my horse has parasites?
| COMMON EQUINE PARASITES | |
| Parasite | Signs and Symptoms |
| Bots | Unthriftiness; colic (in large numbers) in the gut; occasional diarrhea or constipation |
| Pinworms | Tail rubbing; itching and irritation around anus; discharge and worms visible around anus |
| Roundworms | Unthriftiness; bowel problems or colic (when present in large number); migrating roundworm larvae can also potentially harm the lungs of young horses |
| Strongyles | Anemia, dull hair-coat, diarrhea and unthrifty appearance |
| Tapeworms | Mild diarrhea, colic, decreased growth rate and/or weight loss |
