A questionnaire study of equine gastrointestinal parasite control in Scotland.
Authors: Stratford C H, Lester H E, Morgan E R, Pickles K J, Relf V, McGorum B C, Matthews J B
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Parasite Control Practices in Scotland Scottish equine owners surveyed in this 2014 questionnaire study revealed widespread use of moxidectin and ivermectin-based products, with 193 respondents providing data on parasite control across 993 horses and ponies. Whilst 80% of participants administered treatments licensed against encysted cyathostomins and 90% against tapeworms—often through indiscriminate moxidectin or moxidectin-praziquantel use—only 62% of yards had employed faecal egg count (FEC) analysis, though those using FECs regularly achieved lower annual treatment frequencies. Most concerning was the disconnect between owners' perception of targeted dosing (40% believed they practised it) and their actual treatment timing, which frequently exceeded the egg reappearance period and thus failed to constitute genuine targeted therapy. Because veterinarians emerged as the primary influence on anthelmintic selection, the authors advocate for heightened professional awareness of macrocyclic lactone resistance risk factors, with this knowledge integrated into client consultations to drive evidence-based parasite management and reduce unnecessary treatment pressure.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •High and indiscriminate use of moxidectin represents a significant risk factor for macrocyclic lactone resistance development—reconsider routine use and rotate drug classes
- •Implement faecal egg count testing to guide targeted treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary anthelmintic administration, which has been shown to lower annual treatment frequency
- •Ensure your veterinarian understands resistance risk factors and targeted dosing principles, as they are the primary influence on your parasite control strategy; clarify that 'targeted dosing' means treating only when FEC or clinical signs warrant it, not simply using appropriate doses
Key Findings
- •Moxidectin and ivermectin were the most commonly used anthelmintics, with 80% of respondents treating against cyathostomin encysted larvae and 90% treating tapeworms
- •Only 62% of yards performed faecal egg count analysis, but those using FECs regularly reduced annual anthelmintic treatment frequency
- •Despite 40% of respondents believing they practised targeted dosing, this was not associated with delaying treatment beyond the egg reappearance period of the anthelmintic used
- •Veterinarians had the greatest influence on anthelmintic choice and control practices, positioning them as key stakeholders in resistance management