Internal
parasites are silent killers. They
can cause extensive internal damage, and you may not even realize your horses
are heavily infected. At the very
least, parasites can lower resistance, rob the horse of valuable nutrients, and
cause gastrointestinal irritation and unthriftiness. At their worst, they can lead to colic, intestinal ruptures,
and death.
Using
deworming agents on a regular schedule in combination with good management
procedures is critical to relieving your horse of most parasites. Since
parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good management is
key. In terms of management
priorities, establishing a parasite control program is probably second only to
supplying the horse with clean, plentiful water and high quality feed.
To
get rid of parasites before they attack your horse, follow these suggestions
from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP):
1.
Pick up and
dispose of manure droppings in the pasture at least twice weekly.
2.
Mow and
harrow pastures regularly to break up manure piles and expose parasite eggs and
larvae to the elements.
3.
Rotate
pastures by allowing other livestock, such as sheep or cattle, to graze them,
thereby interrupting the life cycles of parasites.
4.
Group
horses by age to reduce exposure to certain parasites and maximize the
deworming program geared to that group.
5.
Keep the
number of horses per acre to a minimum to prevent overgrazing and reduce the
fecal contamination per acre.
6.
Use a
feeder for hay and grain rather than feeding on the ground.
7.
Remove bot
eggs quickly and regularly from the horse's haircoat to prevent ingestion.
8.
Rotate
deworming agents, not just brand names, to prevent chemical resistance.
9.
Consult
your veterinarian to set up an effective and regular deworming schedule.
With the many safe, convenient products
available today, establishing an effective deworming program is easy. Discuss a plan with your veterinarian
and implement it without delay. A
good parasite control program will go a long way toward maximizing your horse's
appearance, performance and comfort.
The net result will be an animal that is as healthy on the inside as it
appears on the outside.
For more information about waging war on
equine parasites, ask your veterinarian for a copy of the "Parasite Control"
client education brochure, provided by the AAEP in partnership with Educational
Partner Bayer Animal Health.
Information about equine parasites also can be found on www.myHorseMatters.com, the AAEP's
horse health Web site.
Back to Rectortown Equine Center Wellness Program.
Reprinted with permission from the American
Association of Equine Practitioners.