Worming your horse with chemicals FAQ's

 

"I've just got a horse and am not sure what to worm him with. Everyone I ask tells me to do something different and the magazine articles confuse me.  I don't know what to do."

The advice that everyone has given is probably all correct for their situation.  The first thing you need to decide is what is the best worming strategy for YOUR horse or pony.  If you do not feel confident enough to do this yourself then please either email us or give our consultants a call on 01267 241136 and we can guide you through the process.

 

"I'm worming with Equest this year and am going to change to ivermectin (Eqvalan, Vectin, Noromectin etc) next year, is this OK?"

Unfortunately no this isn't.  Although they contain different chemicals they are from the same chemical group.  Therefore you need to change to wormers with either a pyrantel or benzimidazole base compound.

 

"I change wormers every time I worm is this OK?"

Again, unfortunately not.  This is the absolute worse thing you can do and the quickest way that worms will develop resistance to the chemicals we use in our battle against them.

 

"Is there any wormer that treats every worm?"

Yes there is, Equest Pramox.  This is the only wormer that includes protection against tapeworm AND encysted small redworm larvae.  Is does carry a warning for foals and lightweight horses and ponies, and should not be used in pregnant and lactating mares.  It can also cause colic symptoms if your horse or pony has a very large encysted worm burden, however it really is a breakthough in chemical worming. 

 "Why would I need to use any other wormer then?"

In order to stop the worms becoming resistant to the moxidectin chemical, as they have to the benzimidazole chemical, you should not use moxidectin every year.  However, if you have a targeted strategic worming strategy then Equest Pramox can be used every year.  It is really important to understand the difference as to why.