National Equine Wormer Survey

A major national survey into the increasing ability of parasitic worms in horses to resist pharmaceutical wormers, launched by the Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit, (VEERU) at the University of Reading, is seeking the assistance of horse owners.

The anthelmintic resistance research, (anthilmentics are drugs used to expel parasitic worms, [helminths] from the body), is being conducted by Keith Allison, an Animal Health and Welfare Specialist at VEERU.

It is recognised that current strategies to control intestinal parasites in horses, as well as in most agricultural and companion animal species, are not sustainable mainly because of growing resistance to treatments.

The problem, says VEERU is being exacerbated by inappropriate use of the wormers. A key issue is that the main patterns of equine wormer use are not known. This new study will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the problem and provide improved information to horse owners.

The survey is being conducted on line at www.survey.bris.ac.uk/reading/equips. A cash prize draw of £500 is being offered as an incentive to horse owners to take part in the short anonymous questionnaire.