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Project WORMS (Working to Overcome Resistance and Make for a Sustainable future): Horse owner survey of equine parasite control. Part 2. Anthelmintic use
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  • Julia Shrubb,
  • Natalie Robinson,
  • David Rendle,
  • Imogen Schofield,
  • Camilla Scott,
  • James Crabtree,
  • Graham Hunter,
  • Rachel Dean,
  • Russell Parker,
  • Tim Mair
Julia Shrubb
Ashbrook Equine Hospital
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Natalie Robinson
VetPartners Limited
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David Rendle
EMT Consulting
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Imogen Schofield
CVS UK Limited
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Camilla Scott
Rossdales LLP
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James Crabtree
Equine Reproductive Services UK Limited
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Graham Hunter
IVC Evidensia UK
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Rachel Dean
VetPartners Limited
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Russell Parker
Liphook Equine Hospital Limited
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Tim Mair
Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Background : Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites is increasing. Frequent anthelmintic use accelerates selection for resistance. Objectives : Investigate how horse owners currently use anthelmintics to control intestinal parasites. Study design : Online survey. Methods: Questionnaire distributed via practices, equestrian organisations, etc., December 2021 to October 2022. Combination of multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions. Descriptive / inferential statistics performed (Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS). Results : 4232 useable responses. Owners of horses on livery yards less likely to make worming decisions compared to those on private properties (p<0.001); managers made decisions in 39.6% of horses on livery yards; 60.7% of owners sought worming advice from their veterinarian; 52.0% administered anthelmintics based on routine faecal egg counts (FECs) / tapeworm serology result; 30.0% routinely tested, but wormed at least once a year regardless of the results; 16.1% did not test, but wormed at least once a year. Owners were more likely to administer anthelmintics based on test results if they sought veterinary advice or were on a health programme (both p<0.001). Of those who routinely wormed, 54.9% wormed once a year; 45.1% wormed twice or more a year. Frequency of routine worming was higher if they didn’t routinely test (p<0.001); 88.9% simultaneously wormed all horses on the pasture. Moxidectin was the first choice for 82.2% of owners who routinely wormed at least once yearly. Routine FECs were performed by 84.7%, higher for those who sought veterinary advice (89.3%, p<0.001). Tapeworm ELISAs were utilised by 40.8%, higher for those on a health programme (68.1%; p<0.001); 58.5% routinely treated for tapeworms regardless of test results. Main Limitations : Selection bias. Conclusions : Owners apply moderately good diagnostic-led parasite control practices, but still common to regularly treat with anthelmintics (30.0% worming at least once a year regardless of the FEC results).
12 Aug 2024Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
12 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
12 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
12 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor