Equine Parasite Control
Effective parasite management is a key aspect of maintaining equine health and welfare. There are growing concerns around anthelmintic resistance and the long-term effectiveness of commonly used treatments. CAFRE Technologists are currently carrying out work in this crucial area to investigate and demonstrate a more responsible, risk-based approach to parasite management in horses.
Traditional calendar-based worming programmes, while simple to implement, have contributed to resistance among internal parasites, reducing the effectiveness of some treatments. This project focuses on developing targeted strategies that use monitoring and assessment tools to identify horses or groups that genuinely require treatment, avoiding unnecessary intervention in low-risk cases. This evidence-based approach improves decision-making, supports equine welfare, and reduces reliance on chemical control.
Beyond health benefits, adopting a risk-based strategy can lower costs and labour requirements for yards, while also reducing environmental contamination of manure and grazing land—helping protect soil health and beneficial invertebrate species. By demonstrating practical applications and outcomes, the project aims to encourage wider industry adoption of sustainable parasite management practices. Findings will be shared as the project progresses.