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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Sci / Equine Anthelmintic Resistance: Horse Owner and Yard Manager...
Veterinary sciences2022; 9(10); doi: 10.3390/vetsci9100560

Equine Anthelmintic Resistance: Horse Owner and Yard Manager Perception of the Barriers Affecting Strategic Control Measures in England.

Abstract: Equine anthelmintic resistance poses a threat to the health and welfare of horses worldwide. With no new imminent anthelmintic classes, it is vital to decrease the resistance rate and preserve available classes. Traditional indiscriminate anthelmintic use is not synonymous with a strategic control ideology; however, many continue to implement outdated practices. In comparison to livestock farmers, there have been few social science studies examining horse owner behaviours. This study aimed to understand the perceived barriers faced by horse owners and yard managers to adopting a strategic approach to helminth control, and to explore their experiences. Semi-structured interviews permitted the exploration of the stakeholders' beliefs, opinions, experiences, attitudes, and behaviours. Personal resources, internal influences, and external influences were identified by participants as the barriers to adoption of strategic controls. Two further themes impacting effective implementation of strategic controls emerged surrounding helminth information and source, as well as accurate dosing. Challenges associated with anthelmintic administration and bodyweight estimation suggest that inaccurate dosing is prevalent. Industry-wide implementation of a single 'best practice' could support prescriber decision-making to encourage uptake of effective strategic helminth controls. The barriers identified in this study could help influence guidance given to horse owners through a better understanding of their beliefs and behaviours.
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Publication Date: 2022-10-11 PubMed ID: 36288173PubMed Central: PMC9606941DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100560Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The study investigates the perceived challenges among horse owners and yard managers in implementing strategic measures for equine anthelmintic resistance control in England. It exposes how personal resources, external and internal influences all serve as hindrances to the effective adoption of strategic controls. Based on analysis from semi-structured interviews, the researchers suggest that an industry-wide best practice could assist decision-making to enhance the uptake of effective strategic helminth controls in the horse-keeping community.

Understanding Anthelmintic Resistance and the Need for Strategic Control

  • Equine anthelmintic resistance refers to the increase in resistance of equestrian parasites to drugs (anthelmintics) that are meant to control them. This resistance poses a threat to the health and welfare of horses globally.
  • Given the absence of new classes of anthelmintics, it’s essential to slow down the resistance rate and sustain the functionality of current classes. Traditional anthelmintic usage often deviates from a strategic control perspective, leading to the persistence of outdated practices.

The Study and its Methodology

  • This research aims to comprehend the impediments horse owners and yard managers encounter when shifting to a more strategic approach to worm control. It also seeks to explore their experiences.
  • Semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the beliefs, opinions, attitudes, and behaviours of stakeholders. This qualitative method facilitated a deep exploration into the human elements affecting anthelmintic resistance.

Findings of the Study

  • The study participants identified personal resources, internal influences, and external influences as barriers to the adoption of strategic controls.
  • Two additional themes emerged from the interviews that affect the effective implementation of strategic controls – helminth information and source, and accurate dosing.
  • With regard to dosage, the study found that challenges linked with anthelmintic administration and estimation of bodyweight are indicative of prevalent inaccurate dosage practices.

Implications and Recommendations

  • The study suggests that the implementation of a single ‘best practice’ across the industry could support prescriber decision-making and encourage the adoption of more effective strategic controls for helminth across the horse-keeping sector.
  • The understanding of barriers identified in this study could enhance the guidance provided to horse owners by better comprehending their beliefs and behaviours in terms of equine anthelmintic resistance control.

Cite This Article

APA
McTigue FE, Mansbridge SC, Pyatt AZ. (2022). Equine Anthelmintic Resistance: Horse Owner and Yard Manager Perception of the Barriers Affecting Strategic Control Measures in England. Vet Sci, 9(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9100560

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 10

Researcher Affiliations

McTigue, Faye E
  • Department of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK.
Mansbridge, Stephen C
  • Department of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK.
Pyatt, Alison Z
  • Department of Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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