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Is equest yearly worming a bad idea for my horse2007-11-24 21:17:54

i have just moved my horse to a new yard where we are expected to use our own worming routine (at my last yard we all did the same). i wormed my horse with equest in june so she is due again in early september. i have looked into using equest and have found that you can get a pack of 4 equest wormers (2 of each of two types) which together treat for a year. however i have been told that horses can become immune to equest so only to use it once every other year. is this right? if this is so why do the manufacturers sell this pack?

Answers:

You could use it for one year, and it would more than likely be fine, but there is always a chance that the parasites will build up an immunity to the wormer whenever you use the same brand over and over. Try switching brands every other time you worm. I personally rotate between 3 different brands and haven't ever had a parasite problem.

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Worms can become resistant to specific worming drugs therefore rotation of drugs is recommended. Manufactures sell in bulk to increase sales, and some people have more than one horse so it saves them money. Have a look at the use by date on the box as well, many wormers have a long life span so if you decide not to use just equest this year you can keep the spare ones safe for another time or ask if anouther owner would share a pack with you.

Have you ever considered faecal egg counts? They can be carried out by some vets/labs/ and can inform you if your horse even requires worming, if you practice good pasture management i.e pick up droppings and the paddocks are not horse sick then the horses often don't have many worms. there are websites with information on the benefits of faecal egg counts or you could ask your vet for advise.