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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / A questionnaire study of equine gastrointestinal parasite co...
Equine veterinary journal2013; 46(1); 25-31; doi: 10.1111/evj.12101

A questionnaire study of equine gastrointestinal parasite control in Scotland.

Abstract: Anthelmintic resistance in equine gastrointestinal nematodes is a threat to equine health and welfare. Detailed knowledge of anthelmintic use and parasite control methods is a prerequisite to identification of potential risk factors for resistance. Objective: To identify parasite control practices employed by equine owners in Scotland and investigate management factors associated with anthelmintic resistance. Methods: Questionnaire study of equine parasite control in Scotland. Methods: Questionnaires were available electronically, distributed at a conference and mailed to clients. Key areas explored included general background, grazing management, anthelmintic treatment practices and use of diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 193 responses detailing information on parasite control programmes of 993 equids were analysed. Moxidectin (MOX) and ivermectin or related combination products were the most commonly administered anthelmintics in the preceding 12 months. Treatments licensed for use against cyathostomin encysted larvae and tapeworms were administered by 80% and 90% of respondents, respectively. This was often achieved through indiscriminate use of MOX and MOX-praziquantel products. Faecal egg count (FEC) analysis had been performed on 62% of yards and regular use of FECs reduced annual anthelmintic treatment frequency. Veterinarians had the greatest influence on control practices. While 40% of respondents believed that they practised targeted dosing, this was not associated with delaying treatment beyond the egg reappearance period of the anthelmintic used. Conclusions: Responses indicated increasing veterinary involvement and use of FECs. The majority of respondents administered anthelmintics licensed against cyathostomin encysted larvae and tapeworms. However, responses suggested that owners did not understand the definition of 'targeted' dosing regimens. Conclusions: The high frequency of MOX use represents a potential risk factor for macrocyclic lactone resistance. As veterinarians were the most influential factor in anthelmintic choice, awareness of macrocyclic lactone resistance and potential risk factors for its development and spread should be incorporated into client advice.
© 2013 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2013-07-23 PubMed ID: 23879737DOI: 10.1111/evj.12101Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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This research is studying how horse owners in Scotland control gastrointestinal parasites in their animals, and investigating the relationship between these practices and drug resistance in these parasites. Key findings reveal a high use of certain antiparasitic drugs, an increasing involvement of veterinarians, and a need for better understanding among owners of correct dosing procedures.

Methods

  • The researchers carried out a questionnaire survey among horse owners in Scotland. The questionnaire was distributed both online and offline.
  • It focused on gathering information about the horse owners’ backgrounds, their grazing management practices, how they use antiparasitic medication and their use of diagnostic tests.

Results

  • 193 responses were analysed, representing information about almost 1000 horses.
  • The most commonly used antiparasitic drugs were Moxidectin, and their ivermectin or related combination products.
  • The majority of horse owners had used treatments against cyathostomin encysted larvae and tapeworms– 80% and 90% respectively, mostly through the use of Moxidectin.
  • 62% of the owners had conducted faecal egg count (FEC) analysis, and regular use of such tests was associated with less frequent treatment with antiparasitic drugs.
  • Veterinarians were found to have the most influence on how horse owners managed parasite control.
  • While 40% of respondents believed that they practiced “targeted dosing”, this belief was not always associated with a delay in treatment that might allow drug resistance to develop.

Conclusions

  • There was an indication of greater veterinary involvement in equine parasitic control and a wider use of FEC tests.
  • Most horse owners had used antiparasitic treatments against encysted larvae and tapeworms. However, it was also suggested that they may not fully understand the concept of ‘targeted’ dosing regimens.
  • The frequent use of Moxidectin was identified as a possible risk factor for the development of drug resistance among parasites, specifically macrocyclic lactone resistance.
  • As veterinarians were found to be highly influential in choices about parasite control methods, the researchers advised that they should be more aware of the risk of drug resistance and advise their clients accordingly.

Cite This Article

APA
Stratford CH, Lester HE, Morgan ER, Pickles KJ, Relf V, McGorum BC, Matthews JB. (2013). A questionnaire study of equine gastrointestinal parasite control in Scotland. Equine Vet J, 46(1), 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12101

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 1
Pages: 25-31

Researcher Affiliations

Stratford, C H
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies & Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK.
Lester, H E
    Morgan, E R
      Pickles, K J
        Relf, V
          McGorum, B C
            Matthews, J B

              MeSH Terms

              • Animal Husbandry
              • Animals
              • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
              • Data Collection
              • Helminthiasis, Animal / drug therapy
              • Helminthiasis, Animal / epidemiology
              • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
              • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
              • Horse Diseases / parasitology
              • Horses
              • Ownership
              • Scotland / epidemiology
              • Surveys and Questionnaires

              Citations

              This article has been cited 14 times.
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