Cross-sectional survey of parasite control practices on Thoroughbred and Standardbred training yards in New Zealand.

The research article is a study on the current practices used to control parasites in racehorses in New Zealand, with emphasis on issues related to anthelmintic resistance. The authors conducted a survey on thoroughbred and standardbred trainers to gather information on their respective methods of parasite control and their understanding of associated issues.

Overview of the Study

• The goal of this research was to outline the existing methods of parasite management and control in racehorses.
• The data was collected through a cross-sectional survey, sent to thoroughbred and standardbred trainers. The questions covered areas including basic demographics, parasite control strategies, grazing management and quarantine processes, and the use of faecal egg counts (FEC).
• The study employed multivariable logistic regression to investigate associations with the use of FEC.

Results of the Survey

• Out of 234 respondents the estimated response rate was calculated as 16%. About half of the trainers (50.5%) used an interval treatment strategy, treating horses 6 times per year on average.
• 62.5% of the respondents stated that they acquired advice from veterinarians when choosing deworming products. However, only 20.1% of respondents reported using FEC as part of their worm management strategy.
• The study found that a trainer was four times more likely to use FEC if they sought advice from a veterinarian compared to those who didn’t.

Conclusions from the Study

• The researchers concluded that there is an overuse of anthelmintic products across the industry. They found that only a small number of trainers were implementing surveillance-based control strategies.
• The authors recommend further exploration of the relationship between veterinarians and trainers. They believe this will enhance the exchange of information, encourage the implementation of effective control strategies, maintain the health of the horses, and slow down the development of anthelmintic resistance.