[Utilization of selective anthelmintic therapy on horse farms in Germany].

The research analyzes deworming practices on horse farms in Germany and compares the patterns between farms utilizing the regular deworming method and those using a selective anthelmintic therapy approach. It indicates that selective deworming reduces the number of required annual therapies, and despite lower drug costs, there are higher annual costs due to sample examination.

Methods

• The research involved an online survey to gather data regarding deworming practices on horse farms.
• Specific questions were asked regarding the number of horses on each farm, housing conditions, hygiene standards and deworming techniques employed.

Results

• The total number of questionnaires analyzed for this study was 283.
• Out of all the farms surveyed, 155 incorporated regular deworming methods, while 77 used the selective anthelmintic therapy approach (SAT).
• The farms utilizing SAT were typically smaller, privately managed ones, where newly introduced horses were subject to comprehensive inspections, and waste materials were cleared from the field more frequently.
• It was found that most farms employing SAT dewormed minimally, either 0 to once annually, accounting for 55%. In comparison, only 3% of farms used regular deworming (RD) as frequently.
• SAT farms had a higher average annual cost per horse (37.50 €) for sample examination and deworming.
• 69% of farms using RD expressed a willingness to change their deworming practices, with 43% of these interested in adopting SAT.

Conclusions

• The use of selective deworming helped in the reduction of the number of required annual therapies.
• However, even though lower costs were incurred for anthelmintic drugs in SAT, these savings were eclipsed by the costs for sample examination.
• There was generally low willingness amongst farms towards improving pasture management practices.
• The study concludes that a combination of pasture and deworming management is key to successful selective deworming management.