Worming Horses - The do's & don'ts

To keep worming simple yet effective we recommend using the protocol shown in the image below.

For more detailed information and videos on how to worm you horse and why we need to worm read our nurses blog here: How to worm you horse

Types of wormers

Benzimidazoles

Fenbendazole (Panacur) and Mebendazole (Telmin)
Target: Stomach and intestinal worms including larval, migrating and encysted stages, lungworm and also kills the nematode (worm) eggs
Length of action: 6-8 weeks

Tetrahydropyrimidines

Pyrantel (Pyratape P & Strongid P)
Target: Stomach, intestinal worms and tapeworms
Length of action: 4-6 weeks

Macrocyclic Lactones - Avermectins and milbemycins

Ivermectin (Eqvalan, Vectin) and Moxidectin (Equest)
Target: Stomach and intestinal worms including larval arterial and tissue stages, lungworm and bot fly larvae
Length of action 8-12 weeks

Prazinoisoquinolone

Praziquantel (Equitape)
Target: Tapeworm
Twice yearly treatment, 6 months apart ideally in Spring (March) and Autumn (Sept)

Planning your worming strategy

Careful consideration should always be made when choosing when and how to worm horses. In order to make this decision process more transparent we have devised two simple worming strategies – the Periodic and Strategic worming plans. Have a look at the flow diagram below to see which plan is best for you and your horse.

Periodic Plan

The Periodic Plan

At least 2 Worm egg counts a year, with use of ‘wormer’ during early spring and autumn + a further mid summer as required.

Tapeworm treatment twice a year.

Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan

3 Worm egg counts a year, a Tapeworm Blood at least once a yearr – use of any ‘wormer’ only as required.

What to worm with after the worm egg count

No visit charge for 10 or more horses

Only £9 (per horse) for a worm egg count done on the yard
During the Spring and Autumn

Less than 200 eggs per gram – We just recommend a single tapeworm treatment.

Between 200-500 eggs per gram – We would recommend a Noropraz (or combined Ivermectin and Praziquantel based product). If this product has been used recently we will recommend an alternative.

Over 500 eggs per gram – we would recommend an Equest Pramox (or combined Ivermectin and Praziquantel based product). If these products have been used recently we will recommend an alternative.
During the Summer

Less than 200 eggs per gram – We recommend no treatment apart from continued pasture management.

Between 200-500 eggs per gram – We would recommend a Noromectin (or another Ivermectin based product). If this product has been used recently we will recommend an alternative.

Over 500 eggs per gram – we would recommend an Equest (or Moxidectin based product). If this product has been used recently we will recommend an alternative.

What worm eggs look like under the microscope

Do you have a limit to the miles you are prepared to travel to do a yard visit for worm count checking ?

Hi Gill,

We will travel in our practice area for any service – outside of this please contact the practice directly as we have set charges for longer mileage / cost depending on time taken to travel. We aim to help with any request.
Alternatively please email me directly on [email protected] with a postcode and I will get the office to give you a buzz / email you back ASAP.

Kindest regards

Rick.