Understanding Worm Resistance and How To Play Your Part
Managing worm infestations in horses is a vital part of maintaining their health, but the growing issue of worm resistance is making traditional approaches less effective. When worms develop resistance to dewormers, they can survive treatments that used to eliminate them, causing long-term problems for horse health and pasture management. To combat this, Worm-Ed offers a more sustainable and tailored approach to worming, focusing on individualized care and minimizing the overuse of chemicals.
The Problem: Worm Resistance
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) occurs when worms become immune to the treatments that previously killed them. This problem arises from overuse and misuse of dewormers, especially through outdated methods like rotational deworming, or "worming wheels," where horses are treated at fixed intervals regardless of their actual need. Over time, this constant exposure puts pressure on worms to adapt, allowing the stronger, resistant strains to survive and reproduce
Refugia: A Key Concept
A crucial strategy to prevent resistance is managing refugia—the portion of the worm population left untreated. These untreated worms maintain genetic susceptibility to dewormers, helping to dilute resistant strains during reproduction. The larger the population of untreated, susceptible worms, the less likely it is that resistant worms will dominate
In practice, refugia can occur naturally, as many worm larvae exist on pastures and are not exposed to dewormers. Within the horse, some worms can remain in a dormant state, protected from treatments, and help maintain a balance between treated and untreated populations
How Worm-Ed Helps
Worm-Ed steps in with a smarter, more personalized approach to worm management:
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Selective Deworming: Instead of blanket treatments, Worm-Ed focuses on the individual needs of each horse. By using faecal egg counts (FECs), Worm-Ed helps identify which horses are shedding the most parasite eggs. Low egg-shedding horses may only need 1-2 treatments per year, while higher shedders require more frequent interventions. This targeted approach reduces the unnecessary use of dewormers and protects their effectiveness
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Tailored Treatment Plans: Worm-Ed customizes deworming schedules for each horse, moving away from the outdated "worming wheels." By assessing each horse individually, they create plans that keep horses healthy without overusing chemicals
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Sustainable Chemical Use: Worm-Ed helps reduce chemical treatments through the use of refugia and selective therapy. By leaving some worms untreated and allowing a population of susceptible worms to remain, they help slow the development of resistance. Worm-Ed's approach not only saves money for horse owners but also reduces the risk of resistant worms taking over
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Annual Larvicidal Treatments: For managing worms that are in the larval stage and may not be killed by standard treatments, Worm-Ed suggests annual larvicidal treatments. This helps tackle hidden worm populations and ensures horses remain healthy without over-treating
Why This Matters
By following Worm-Ed’s guidance, horse owners can keep their horses safe from worm-related diseases while also playing a role in reducing the risk of anthelmintic resistance. With less frequent treatments, owners save money and reduce the environmental impact of overusing chemicals.
In conclusion, Worm-Ed’s modern approach to worm management offers a balanced solution: protect your horses without contributing to the long-term problem of worm resistance. With personalized treatment plans and a focus on sustainable practices, Worm-Ed helps ensure that dewormers remain effective for years to come
For more information about Worm-Ed check out their website HERE
