Reducing the Threat of Equine Parasites

Parasites can take a serious toll on a horse’s health and well-being. Damage caused by parasites can cause colic, dehydration, diarrhea, respiratory disease, organ damage, intestinal bleeding, dermatitis and other problems. By implementing an effective parasite control program, you are protecting your horse from a myriad of health problems and increasing his chances to enjoy a bright future and long life.

There are several things you can do to help prevent parasites from seriously damaging your horse's health.

Elements of an effective parasite control program

• Routine use of a broad-spectrum dewormer such as ZIMECTERIN® (ivermectin) is the best way to protect your horses from parasites. Good farm management and veterinary support will also help to keep parasites at bay.
  
• Removing manure from stalls and pastures on a routine basis will aid substantially in the prevention of parasites. The single most common method of parasite transmission is by contact with manure infected with parasitic eggs.
  
• Feed hay and grain from elevated buckets or mangers rather than feeding off the ground. Horses that feed off the ground are much more likely to ingest parasite eggs found in grass or manure.
  
• During fly season, use insecticides to reduce the likelihood of exposure to certain parasites. Bots, neck threadworms and large mouth stomach worms are all transmitted by flying insects.
  
• Some parasite eggs are large enough that they can be seen by the naked eye. For instance, bot eggs, which generally appear on a horse's forelegs and mouth, and pinworm eggs which are deposited near a horse's rectal area, should be visible to grooms or caretakers. It is important to remove these eggs with something disposable such as a paper towel rather than a sponge. Infective eggs can remain in sponges and be spread to other horses even after a thorough washing.
  
• Drain standing water from pastures or avoid placing horses in wet pastures altogether. Certain types of parasitic larvae, such as lungworm larvae, thrive in wet areas.
  
• Avoid overcrowding pastures. Horses in crowded pastures have an increased risk of exposure to manure that may contain parasite larvae.
  
• Group pastured horses by age, (i.e. weanlings, yearlings, adult horses). This reduces each group of horses’ exposure to certain species of parasites.
  
• Avoid spreading manure in areas where horses may come in contact with it.