For many years, horse owners have been warned on the development of drug-resistant equine parasites.  Small strongyles or small redworms are known to be resistant to benizmidazole anthelmintic drugs in certain regions.  Large roundworms are also reported to have developed resistance to ivermectin-based wormers. It is important to slow down the development of drug resistance in parasites through responsible usage of equine dewormers. With each exposure to the dewormer, the risk for developing drug resistance increases.

Reduce the frequency of dewormers

There are many ways the horse owners can reduce the frequency at which equine dewormers are used. This can be done without putting the horse in danger of severe parasite infestation. First is to remove horse manure from the pasture more frequently. Horse manure harbor parasitic eggs and larvae and can contaminate the pasture. While deworming is necessary, it is also required to get the fecal worm count to help you determine which equine dewormer is suitable to use.

Parasites will always be part of the horse’s life. It is almost impossible for horses to be 100% parasite-free. You can also reduce drug resistance if you accept that low levels of parasite infestation do not immediately require treatment since it cannot harm your horse. When deworming, always enlist the aid of your veterinarian and discuss the dosing instructions very carefully. Do not give your horse dewormers more frequently than what is recommended.If wormers are used less frequently, drug resistance in parasites develops rather slowly.

The importance of good veterinary assistance

Apart from reducing the frequency of dewormer use, more and more horse owners recognize the need for veterinary assistance. Horse worming is a complex subject that only a veterinarian is in the right position to give you educated advice on how to come up with an effective worming program. Horse worming programs should be designed according to the needs of the horse, the parasite concerned, and also the environmental conditions. There are several guidelines on horse worming that one can find but nothing beats a personalized parasite control program. Apart from using dewormers, vets also recommend good pasture management practices and periodic fecal analysis. Getting professional help is an effective approach in combating resistance and will certainly be lighter on your pocket in the long run.

With each exposure to the dewormer, the risk for developing drug resistance increases.
With each exposure to the dewormer, the risk for developing drug resistance increases.

It’s fortunate enough that Abler is the one place that caters to horse owners. Abler provides effective and affordable equine dewormers in easy-to-administer granules. Using these medications should be done sensibly to ensure maintenance of the drug efficacy as much as possible.