Effective parasite management for equines
Words: Zoetis
Equest Plus Tape horse wormer, containing the active ingredient moxidectin, is a widely used anthelmintic for controlling internal parasites in horses.
Moxidectin is particularly effective against a range of parasites, including small redworms (cyathostomins), large redworms, pinworms, and bots.
Its unique low dose gel formulation allows for a prolonged effect, reducing the egg contamination on pasture between treatments and protecting horses for longer in contaminated environments.
Why Equest?
Equest stands out due to its palatability, efficacy and long-lasting action.
Moxidectin is a macrocyclic lactone that disrupts the nervous system of parasites, leading to their paralysis and death.
One of the key benefits of Equest is its ability to target encysted small redworm larvae, which other wormers are unable to kill.
This makes it an essential tool in any equine parasite control program.
Equest is easy to administer.
The low volume, palatable gel dissolves in the mouth, reducing the likelihood of the product being spat out (avoiding accidental underdosing).
Best practice parasite management
Historically, horse owners have been advised to treat all horses every six weeks, regardless of need.
However, a recent New Zealand-wide survey has revealed extensive resistance to ivermectin, moxidectin, oxfendazole and a combination pyrantel product1.
Efficacies on the properties ranged from 100 per cent to 0 per cent and there was evidence of anthelmintic resistance to all actives on many individual farms.
In order to prolong the life of these important anthelmintics, we need to involve more than just regular deworming.
Below are some best practices to ensure horses remain healthy and parasites are controlled.
Fecal Egg Counts (FECs): Regular fecal egg counts help determine the parasite burden in horses and the effectiveness of the deworming program. Conduct FECs at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn, to monitor and adjust the deworming schedule as needed.
Targeted deworming: Use the results of FECs to implement targeted deworming. This approach helps reduce the risk of anthelmintic resistance by only treating horses that need it. High shedders
(horses with high egg counts) and younger or compromised horses should be treated more frequently, while low shedders may require less frequent treatments.
Pasture management: Good pasture management is crucial in reducing parasite loads. Regularly remove manure from pastures to minimise the contamination of grazing areas. Rotating pastures and cross-grazing with other livestock can also help reduce infective larvae on pasture.
Environmental control: Avoid overstocking pastures to reduce the risk of parasite transmission. Ensure that horses have adequate space to graze and are not forced to eat close to manure piles. Composting manure before spreading it on pastures can kill parasite eggs and larvae.
Seasonal deworming: Adjust your deworming schedule based on the season and the specific parasites prevalent at different times of the year. For example, treat for bots in late autumn after the first frost, and encysted cyathostomins late winter/early spring.
Incorporating Equest horse wormer into a parasite management routine, along with these best practices, will help maintain horses’ health and well-being.
Key elements of a successful parasite control strategy include regular monitoring, targeted treatments, and effective pasture management.
1Blue, H. Assessment of equine anthelmintic resistance in New Zealand. Proceedings of the Equine Veterinarians Branch of the NZVA, 2024.
Zoetis New Zealand Limited. Tel: 0800 963 847; www.zoetis.co.nz. Equest is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A9085.