Time it right this autumn/winter and clear the challenge of worming against encysted small redworm

WHAT ARE ENCYSTED SMALL REDWORM?

Small redworm larvae can encyst within the horse’s gut wall throughout the year – especially in autumn and winter. Typically, sudden mass emergence of larvae will occur in spring, damaging the gut, which can cause diarrhoea and colic1. This condition is known as larval cyathostominosis and has a mortality rate of up to 50%.1

Hidden within the gut wall, encysted small redworm larvae can account for up to 90% of the redworm burden in a horse2.

Control needs to be focused on all stages of the parasite’s lifecycle, with specific attention paid to the encysted larvae.3

References
1. Love S, et al. Vet Parasitol 1999; 85: 113−122.
2. Matthews JB. Equine Vet Edu 2008; 20(10): 552–560.
3. Nielsen MK. Vet Parasitol 2012; 185: 32–44.

TESTING FOR ENCYSTED SMALL REDWORM

Although faecal worm egg counts (FWEC) are an excellent tool to monitor worm burdens during the spring through to autumn, they will not detect encysted small redworm. This is because the encysted larvae do not produce eggs.

Encysted small redworm is the most potentially harmful stage of the redworm parasite. Horses can harbour several million encysted larvae, yet show a negative or low (< 250 epg) FWEC.1

References
1. Matthews JB. Equine Vet Edu 2008; 20(10): 552–560.

TESTING FOR ENCYSTED SMALL REDWORM

Although faecal worm egg counts (FWEC) are an excellent tool to monitor worm burdens during the spring through to autumn, they will not detect encysted small redworm. This is because the encysted larvae do not produce eggs.

Encysted small redworm is the most potentially harmful stage of the redworm parasite. Horses can harbour several million encysted larvae, yet show a negative or low (< 250 epg) FWEC.1

References
1. Matthews JB. Equine Vet Edu 2008; 20(10): 552–560.

WORMING TO CLEAR THE CHALLENGE OF ENCYSTED SMALL REDWORM

It is important you consider the seasonal worming challenges when formulating your worm control plan.

Every horse should be treated for encysted small redworm in late autumn or winter1,2. Make sure you time it right!

SELECT THE RIGHT WORMER

Remember to select the most appropriate wormer for the parasites you are targeting. Currently, only two active ingredients specifically target encysted small redworm − ask your Vet or SQP how to treat encysted small redworm.

HORSE WEIGHT

Use a weigh tape or weigh scales to determine the weight of your horse. Horses should be dosed accurately, according to their weight. This is important because under-dosing can increase the risk of resistance development.

YOU CAN NEVER BE SURE OF A NEW HORSE'S WORM BURDEN

If their history is unknown they should be quarantined, FWEC tested on arrival at the yard and treated for encysted small redworm and tapeworm. They should then be stabled for at least 48 hours to avoid bringing resistant worms onto your premises.

References
1. Matthews JB. Equine Vet Edu 2008; 20(10): 552–560.
2. Nielsen MK. Vet Parasitol 2012; 185: 32–44.

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