Adult horses typically have much lower parasite burdens than younger horses, a research finding that’s reflected in the updated guidelines. | Photo: iStock

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has released an updated version of its parasite control guidelines for horses. The horse parasite control guidelines, first published in 2013, have been revised and to reflect recent research findings.

For the past several years, Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVM, Schlaikjer Professor of Equine Infectious Disease and associate professor at University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center, in Lexington, has led the AAEP horse parasite control guideline subcommittee.

A key takeaway from the newly released guidelines: Different equine age groups have different parasite control needs. Fecal egg count surveillance is a necessity, but it should be applied in different manners in foals, yearlings, and adult horses