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Equine veterinary journal2020; 52(4); 547-555; doi: 10.1111/evj.13207

A questionnaire study of parasite control in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Australia.

Abstract: Information regarding parasite control practices currently used on Thoroughbred and Standardbred studs in Australia is lacking. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a global problem which has implications for equine health and welfare. Objective: To identify parasite control practices currently used on horse studs in Australia and investigate the frequency of use of management factors that have been associated with the likelihood of promoting or delaying AR. Methods: Questionnaire study of equine parasite control on Thoroughbred and Standardbred studs in Australia. Methods: An online questionnaire was emailed to 300 studs in Australia. Information obtained included property details, grazing management, anthelmintic use, non-chemotherapeutic parasite control practices, use of faecal egg counts (FECs) and perceptions of AR. Results: Seventy-five completed questionnaires were received (25% response rate). Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) were the most commonly administered anthelmintics in mares and foals and less than 5% of respondents used targeted treatment regimens. The implementation of pasture hygiene practices was variable. The majority of respondents (97%) considered AR to be important; however, few respondents were aware of the use of FEC reduction tests for monitoring of drug efficacy. Conclusions: The potential for nonresponse bias was the main limitation of this study. Conclusions: Parasite control strategies on Australian stud farms remain over-reliant on anthelmintic use. The frequent use of MLs is of concern for the increased selection pressure for AR. There is a lack of awareness of the importance of non-chemotherapeutic strategies in integrated approaches to parasite control aimed at delaying the development of AR. This study highlights the need for greater veterinary involvement in the implementation of more sustainable parasite control practices with greater emphasis placed on surveillance through FEC testing.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-07 PubMed ID: 31725925DOI: 10.1111/evj.13207Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research focuses on the current practices used in treating parasites in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Australia. It reveals an over-reliance on anthelmintic use and a lack of awareness on non-chemical parasite control methods. The study underscores the need for greater veterinary involvement and more sustainable parasite control practices.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study aimed to identify parasite control practices currently used on studs in Australia and to evaluate the impact and frequency of these practices that have influences on Anthelmintic resistance (AR).
  • A survey questionnaire was employed in the study. Via email, the questionnaire was sent to 300 horse stud farms across Australia.
  • The online questionnaire sought information about property details, grazing management, anthelmintic use, non-chemotherapeutic parasite control practices, faecal egg counts (FECs) use and the respondents’ perceptions regarding AR.

Results

  • From the 300 emailed questionnaires, only 75 were completed and returned, representing a 25% response rate.
  • The most commonly used antihelminthics were Macrocyclic lactones (MLs), particularly in foals and mares.
  • Less than 5% of the respondents utilized targeted treatment regimens.
  • There was inconsistency in implementing pasture hygiene practices, with some farms implementing them well while others did not.
  • Majority of the respondents (97%) indicated that they consider AR to be a significant concern. However, only a few were informed about the use of FEC reduction tests as a way to monitor drug efficiency.

Conclusions

  • The major limitation of the study was the potential for non-response bias given the 25% response rate.
  • The study concludes that current parasite control strategies on Australian farms predominantly rely on the use of anthelmintic drugs, leading to selection pressure for AR.
  • There is a noticeable lack of awareness among the respondents regarding non-chemotherapeutic strategies for parasite control, which could delay the onset of AR.
  • In light of these findings, the study advocates for increased veterinary involvement in implementing more sustainable parasite control strategies and an emphasis on surveillance through FEC testing.

Cite This Article

APA
Wilkes EJA, Heller J, Raidal SL, Woodgate RG, Hughes KJ. (2020). A questionnaire study of parasite control in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Australia. Equine Vet J, 52(4), 547-555. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13207

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 4
Pages: 547-555

Researcher Affiliations

Wilkes, Edwina J A
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
Heller, Jane
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
Raidal, Sharanne L
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
Woodgate, Robert G
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
Hughes, Kristopher J
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Australia
  • Drug Resistance / drug effects
  • Feces
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horses
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Parasites / drug effects
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grant Funding

  • CEVA Animal Health
  • Faculty of Science, CSU

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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    doi: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2025.100622pubmed: 41135277google scholar: lookup
  2. Abbas G, Stevenson MA, Bauquier J, Beasley A, Jacobson C, El-Hage C, Wilkes EJA, Carrigan P, Cudmore L, Hurley J, Beveridge I, Nielsen MK, Hughes KJ, Jabbar A. Assessment of worm control practices recommended by equine veterinarians in Australia. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1305360.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1305360pubmed: 38026649google scholar: lookup
  3. Elghandour MMMY, Maggiolino A, Vázquez-Mendoza P, Alvarado-Ramírez ER, Cedillo-Monroy J, De Palo P, Salem AZM. Moringa oleifera as a Natural Alternative for the Control of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Equines: A Review. Plants (Basel) 2023 May 8;12(9).
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