What is the latest in parasite research? How do we apply it?
Research shows that parasites are becoming resistant to our deworming agents, but many horses, about 60 – 70% in Colorado, have a good immune system, thus only need to be dewormed two times per year. Because each horse is different, we recommend having a fecal test done on your horse.
Fecal tests accomplish many good things:
- Determines if your horse has parasites in his intestines. Parasites cause colic, weight loss, anemia, and poor hair coats.
- Indicates how often to deworm to keep your horse healthy.
- Decreases resistance of the parasite to the present deworming medications on the market.
- Reduces costs by not over-deworming.
Fecal tests needs to be done when the weather is 40° or warmer throughout the day and night, and after two months or more from the last deworming.
This Fall, we recommend deworming at the end of November or early December using a medication which will kill bots in the stomach and tapeworms in the large intestine. These medications are respectively: moxidectin or ivermectin + praziquantel. Quest Plus combines both, as does Equimax. You can purchase these medications through Colorado Equine Clinic or a store like Murdoch’s.
In conclusion, we suggest the following:
- All horses have a fecal test in accordance with the guidelines above
- If fecal test is negative, deworm in late November/early December
- If fecal test shows a high egg count, deworm now (in September/October) and again in late November/early December
