Preliminary Observations of the Effect of Garlic on Egg Shedding in Horses Naturally Infected by Intestinal Strongyles.
Authors: Buono Francesco, Pacifico Laura, Piantedosi Diego, Sgroi Giovanni, Neola Benedetto, Roncoroni Cristina, Genovese Angelo, Rufrano Domenico, Veneziano Vincenzo
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Garlic as an Antiparasitic Agent in Horses Intestinal strongyles remain the most prevalent endoparasitic infection in horses, and whilst conventional anthelmintic treatment remains the standard control strategy, emerging resistance to synthetic drugs has prompted investigation into alternative herbal remedies, including garlic supplementation. Researchers at a Southern Italian trotter facility conducted a controlled trial on 15 naturally infected mares (baseline faecal egg count >200 eggs per gram), divided into three groups receiving either 40g fresh crushed garlic daily, 40g dried garlic supplement daily, or no treatment, with faecal egg counts reassessed after two weeks. Neither intervention proved effective, with egg shedding reductions of only –11.7% and –19.4% respectively, compared to controls—results indicating garlic formulations failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful antiparasitic activity in this model. Haematological parameters remained normal throughout the study period, ruling out acute toxicity, though the short treatment window (15 days) and small sample size warrant cautious interpretation. Whilst the growing threat of anthelmintic resistance justifies ongoing investigation of complementary strategies, these preliminary findings suggest garlic should not be relied upon as a substitute for proven antiparasitic protocols, and practitioners should maintain evidence-based dewormers as the primary control mechanism pending further research into herbal efficacy and optimal dosing schedules.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Garlic supplementation cannot be relied upon as an alternative to anthelmintic therapy for strongyle control in horses, despite growing interest in herbal alternatives
- •Do not recommend garlic to clients as a standalone parasite control strategy; continue conventional anthelmintic programs and consider resistance testing if efficacy is questionable
- •While garlic appears safe (no hematological effects noted), its lack of efficacy makes it unsuitable for parasite management in practical equine medicine
Key Findings
- •Fresh garlic supplementation (40g daily for 15 days) failed to reduce fecal egg count, showing -11.7% reduction in treated versus control group
- •Dry garlic flakes (40g daily for 15 days) showed minimal effect with -19.4% egg count reduction, which is not clinically significant
- •Garlic supplementation did not cause hematological changes, with red blood cell counts remaining in normal ranges throughout the treatment period
- •Oral garlic administration is ineffective for reducing intestinal strongyle egg shedding in naturally infected horses over a 15-day treatment protocol