Description
Parasite control has been a key component of colic prevention in horses since the 1960s, at this time Strongylus Vulgaris was the most prevalent and most pathogenic parasite of equids. It was Strongylus Vulgaris specifically that was associated with colic and lead to Drudge and Lyons (1966) proposing the interval dose programme of anthelmintic treatment. Yet since the 1980s S. Vulgaris has made up less than 1% of the strongyle population in horses in the UK and most of Europe and the USA. Yet many horse managers still use a treatment schedule designed for a parasite that is no longer prevalent. This update will recap intestinal parasites of clinical relevance in horses, considering the role of diagnostic testing and monitoring alongside anthelmintics for sustainable parasite control. Anthelmintic resistance and horse manager perceptions of FEC monitoring will also be considered.
