As grazing animals, horses are constantly exposed to parasites. Recommending fecal egg count testing to your clients during key time periods of the year can give you visibility into their parasite control program and help to inform your recommendations.

According to the AAEP Internal Parasite Control Guidelines¹, modern equine parasite control programs have three goals:

1. To minimize the risk of disease caused by parasites.
2. To control the shedding of parasite eggs.
3. To maintain the efficacy of current drugs and help to avoid further development of anthelmintic resistance.

Periodic fecal egg counts provide a snapshot on the magnitude of egg shedding of individual horses. If the Periodic fecal egg counts provide a snapshot on the magnitude of egg shedding of individual horses. If the number is low (less than 200-250 eggs per gram), that particular horse can be considered to have good natural immunity to strongyles and may not need to be dewormed as frequently.² However, if the number is higher, that horse may be a chronic shedder that may not show signs of parasitism but is carrying a heavy burden of adult worms that are producing lots of eggs, which are then dispersed back into the environment.

Chronic shedders may require a more aggressive deworming program than other horses. Horses sharing a pasture should be on a coordinated treatment program and schedule to avoid reinfection. If possible, group high shedders together to avoid overtreating low-shedding pasture mates.

Fecal egg counts are recommended for adult horses prior to spring deworming to assess the current status of each horse. This timing is ideal as egg shedding fluctuates seasonally and will be lowest during the winter months and increase as days lengthen into spring. For moderate and high shedders, also recommend a follow-up test 10-14 days after completing the recommended deworming protocol.

For routine monitoring, retest in the fall (at least two months following most recent treatment), before adding a new horse to a pasture group, and anytime a horse displays signs of potential parasitic disease, such as decreasing body condition or poor hair coat. Note that horses less than 3 years of age require different monitoring and treatment protocols as they are more susceptible to parasite infection and are at greater risk for developing disease.

To gain visibility on your clients’ deworming protocols, recommend they purchase their anthelmintic products through your Covetrus® online pharmacy storefront. To assist in keeping track of testing intervals, results, and recommendations, consider using Covetrus software solutions such as Pulse™ or Rapport^™ to manage your client communication and scheduling.

Ask your account manager which solution would be right for your practice.

1. AAEP Internal Parasite Control Guidelines. American Association of Equine Practitioners. Revised 2019. https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/2021-03/Internal_Parasite_Guidelines.pdf. Accessed online February 13, 2023.

2. Manure Matters. Dr. Lydia Gray. https://www.smartpakequine.com/learn-health/equine-fecal-egg-count. Accessed online February 13, 2023.

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