Horse health - practical worm control

There are 60 or more different species of internal parasites (worms) that can adversely affect the health of horses. Signs of worm infestation can be extremely variable, ranging from a barely detectable reduction in growth or performance through to a severe and painful disease, sometimes resulting in death.

Because of the wide range of worms, the complexity of their life cycles and the variety of conditions under which horses are used and housed, a worm control program should be constructed for each individual situation.

This guide to the control of worms aims to cater for the needs of the pleasure horse, pony club horse or farmwork horse. Where numbers of horses are run together, for example studs and spelling paddocks, consult your local veterinarian for further information.