Worming Programme

Our Worming Programme is under constant review based on reports of resistance to different groups of anthelmintics and weather conditions.

Why is worm control important?

There are multiple types of worms which can all affect our horses’ health. Coughing, diarrhoea, “girthy-ness”, skin issues and problems with circulation can all be caused by migrating worm larvae. The most serious issues we see with worms are colic signs caused by blockages from large numbers of worms, or damage to the guts from mass emergence from hibernation in the spring. This can be fatal.

We have seen a few horses with liver fluke infection after grazing either with sheep or cattle, or in fields where they have been present. A blood sample is available but if fluke has been confirmed on the pasture, a single dose treatment may be required. This is not included in the worming programme but please let us know if you have concerns about this.

Why shouldn’t we routinely worm horses?

Unfortunately, there is evidence that all different types of worms are developing resistance to the wormers that we have available for horses.  We can use worm egg counts, saliva and serum testing to identify the horses most at risk of worm damage.

Targeted worming will reduce the number of resistant worms in your fields meaning your wormers will be more effective and you will need to give wormers less often.

In addition to overuse of wormers, worming for the incorrect weight is a major cause of resistance to wormers. The most accurate way to get a weight from your horse is for us to use our portable weighbridge. This can also help with accurate dosing for medications other than wormers.

Another way to reduce your horses’ worm burden is to remove droppings from their pasture at least twice a week.  Larvae can survive a few weeks in hot weather but will remain infective for 6-9months if protected by cold weather.

What is included in the worming plan?

A visit is included to take a sample of blood from your horse to run the serum redworm test, during this visit we can also weigh your horse at a reduced cost and discuss nutrition and worming concerns you may have. (Outside of the worming scheme, cost of weighing is £30 visit to premises then £10 for one horse, reducing to £5 per horse for over 3 horses). 

Wormers and worm egg count kits can be posted at a small extra cost. You will receive text reminders when the wormers are ready to collect or when a sample is due.  Please complete the Registration Form and return it to the surgery with your payment.

Worming Programme Terms and Conditions:

1. Payment must be made in full at the time of application.
2. You may cancel your plan and receive a refund for unused products only under the following circumstances: you move your horse outside the normal geographical area covered by MacArthur Barstow & Gibbs; your horse is sold; or upon the death of your horse.
3. Wormers supplied on the plan are only for the horse/s named on the plan. You will receive a reminder when your wormer is ready to collect. The number and type of wormers supplied each year may vary.
4. Please note – all wormers are supplied as ‘oral paste’. There may be additional charges for tablets or powder if such an alternative is available.