Because of the potential for anthelmintic resistance, deworming decisions should be based on fecal egg counts, not just the calendar.

Parasites in horse establishments have most likely been overtreated in recent decades. The advent of highly efficacious drug formulations has led the equine industry to rely too much on anthelmintic treatment. We now know this excessive reliance has led to increasing levels of resistance to the drugs available, and recommendations now are based upon systematic surveillance and a much less intensive treatment regimen.

In this article I will highlight the most important points and concepts in parasite control. For more details watch the  archived Webinar on this topic. Also, watch our April 27 Ask The Vet Live event on parasite basics and deworming on TheHorse.com (sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, featuring this author)

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