Questionnaire survey on helminth control practices in horse farms in Ireland.

The research article explores the prevalent methods of controlling helminths, a type of parasitic worm, in horse farms in Ireland. A survey was conducted among horse owners to understand the current practices in grazing, pasture management, and deworming procedures employed to manage helminth infections.

Research Methodology

• The researchers designed a questionnaire to collect data on grazing habits, pasture management techniques, and deworming strategies, including the usage of fecal egg counts.
• The questionnaire was sent to 700 members of two prominent organizations in the Irish horse farming community: the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Horse Sport Ireland.
• However, only a small proportion (78 respondents) of the dispatched questionnaires were returned, setting the base for the sample size of the survey.

Findings of the Study

• The results showed that horses are generally grazed for long periods (16-24 hours a day) during the summer and autumn, according to 89% and 65% of the respondents respectively.
• Removing feces from the pasture, a key measure in controlling helminth infection, was practiced by about 37.6% of the respondents.
• Only a small fraction of respondents (22.2%) kept horses off the pasture after worming, a routine part of deworming procedures.
• In terms of medication for helminth control, ivermectin and moxidectin were the most commonly used drugs, prescribed by 75% and 62% of respondents respectively.
• Benzimidazole and pyrantel drugs were used less frequently, by 53% and 35% of the respondents respectively.
• Most farms (81.4%) treated their horses 4-5 times a year, while 74.2% of the respondents visually estimated the weight of the horses, an important factor in determining medication dosage.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that many horse farm managers and owners do not follow the best practices in controlling helminth infection in their horses.
• The findings of the study suggest that further education and knowledge dissemination is required to improve helminth control practices in the horse farming community in Ireland.