Cross-sectional survey of parasite control practices on Thoroughbred and Standardbred training yards in New Zealand.
Authors: Rosanowski S M, Scott I, Sells P D, Rogers C W, Bolwell C F
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Parasite Control Practices on Racing Yards: A Wake-up Call for New Zealand Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites poses a genuine threat to long-term parasite management, yet baseline data on current industry practices remain scarce. Rosanowski and colleagues surveyed 234 Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers across New Zealand regarding their deworming strategies, grazing management and use of faecal egg counts (FEC), employing multivariable logistic regression to identify factors influencing testing uptake. Half of respondents operated on blanket interval treatment schedules, administering anthelmintics 6 times annually on average to both racing and spell horses, whilst only 20% had ever conducted FEC testing—despite vets being 4 times more likely to recommend surveillance-based approaches when consulted. The study reveals significant overtreatment of the racehorse population and concerning underutilisation of FEC as a decision-making tool, suggesting that stronger veterinary engagement with trainers could shift industry practice towards more judicious anthelmintic use and evidence-based parasite management protocols that would help preserve drug efficacy for future generations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Most trainers are overusing anthelmintics on fixed intervals rather than using evidence-based surveillance; work with your veterinarian to implement FEC testing to reduce unnecessary treatments and slow resistance development
- •Consult your veterinarian about deworming strategies—trainers who do are significantly more likely to adopt more targeted, sustainable parasite control practices
- •Consider switching from blanket interval dosing to risk-based management using FEC results to maintain treatment effectiveness and reduce costs
Key Findings
- •50.5% of trainers used interval treatment strategies, treating horses a median of 6 times annually for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses
- •Only 20.1% of respondents had performed faecal egg counts (FEC) for parasite surveillance
- •62.5% of trainers sought veterinary advice for deworming products
- •Trainers who consulted veterinarians were 4 times more likely to use FEC-based surveillance strategies