Deworming Horses: When and How to Deworm
Informational content. It does not replace the diagnosis or treatment of a veterinarian. For any sign of illness, always consult a professional.
Deworming is part of basic horse health care, but it has changed a lot: from the traditional fixed schedule, it has moved to a strategic approach based on analysis, to curb resistance. This informative guide explains why and the general guidelines, always under veterinary criteria.
Why Deworm
Horses harbor internal parasites (especially in the digestive system) which, in high loads, cause loss of condition, digestive problems, colic, and, in severe cases, internal damage. Parasite control is necessary, but its approach has evolved to be more effective and sustainable.
Main Parasites
Among the most relevant internal parasites in horses are small strongyles (cyathostomes), large strongyles, ascarids (especially in foals), tapeworms, and pinworms, as well as botfly larvae (gastrophilus). Each has its own cycle and relevance depending on the horse's age and the time of year.
Fecal Analysis
Fecal analysis (coprological) allows estimating the parasitic load of each horse and deciding if it needs to be dewormed and with what. It is the basis of the modern approach: instead of deworming everyone by schedule, it identifies which horses shed more eggs and treats them in a targeted manner, reducing the unnecessary use of antiparasitics.
Strategic Deworming
The excessive and routine use of antiparasitics has generated concerning resistance. That is why strategic deworming is promoted today: based on analysis, aimed at the horses that need it most, at appropriate times, and combined with management measures. The veterinarian designs the plan according to the farm, the age of the horses, and the results of the analyses.
Management Measures
Beyond medication, management greatly reduces parasitic pressure: regularly removing manure from pastures, not overstocking pastures, rotating fields, avoiding feeding on the ground, and maintaining good hygiene. These measures, combined with targeted deworming, are the most effective and sustainable strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I deworm on a fixed schedule?
The current approach prefers strategic deworming based on fecal analysis, instead of a fixed schedule, to curb resistance.
What is a fecal analysis?
A stool analysis that estimates the horse's parasitic load and helps decide if it needs treatment and of what type.
Do management measures replace medication?
They do not replace them, but they greatly reduce parasitic pressure. Removing manure and not overstocking pastures are very effective measures combined with targeted deworming.
