Internal parasites are silent killers. They can cause extensive internal damage, and you may not even realise your animals are heavily infected. At the very least, parasites can lower resistance, rob the horse of valuable nutrients, and cause gastrointestinal irritation and unthriftiness. At their worst, they can lead to colic, intestinal ruptures, and death.
There are more than 150 internal parasites that afflict horses, including several major species. Among the most common and troublesome are:
Large strongyles (bloodworms) Small strongyles Ascarids (roundworms) Pinworms Bots Tapeworms Threadworms Lungworms
Any or all of these parasites can be present in the horse at one time, but they may be at different stages in their life cycles. This will influence the deworming program needed to combat them. Also, keep in mind that some species can lay more than 200,000 eggs a day, so parasite loads can escalate quickly.
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Signs of infestation
might include:
Dull, rough haircoat Lethargy or decreased stamina Weight loss Coughing and/or nasal discharge Tail rubbing and hair loss Resistance to the bit due to mouth lesions Colic Summer sores Depression Loss of appetite Unthriftiness or loss of condition Diarrhea
A COMPLETE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Importantly, chemical control is just one part of a total parasite control plan. Since parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good management is also key. You should: Pick up and dispose of manure droppings on a regular basis (at least twice weekly) Mow and harrow pastures regularly to break up manure piles and expose parasite eggs and larvae to the elements Rotate pastures by allowing other livestock, such as sheep or cattle, to graze them, thereby interrupting the life cycles of equine parasites Group horses by age to reduce exposure to certain parasites and maximize the deworming program geared to that group Keep the number of horses per acre to a minimum to prevent overgrazing and reduce the fecal contamination per acre Use a feeder for hay and grain rather than feeding on the ground Rotate deworming agents, not just brand names, to prevent chemical resistance Consult your vet to set up an effective and regular deworming schedule
