Attitudes towards implementation of surveillance-based parasite control on Kentucky Thoroughbred farms - Current strategies, awareness and willingness-to-pay.
Authors: Robert M, Hu W, Nielsen M K, Stowe C J
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Surveillance-Based Parasite Control on Kentucky Thoroughbred Farms: Implementation Gap and Economic Barriers Equine parasite management has historically centred on blanket anthelmintic dosing schedules, yet contemporary guidelines advocate for targeted, surveillance-based protocols informed by faecal egg count monitoring. Robert and colleagues surveyed Kentucky Thoroughbred farm operators to assess the adoption gap between current best-practice recommendations and on-farm reality, whilst examining awareness levels and economic willingness-to-pay for evidence-based parasite control. Their findings revealed considerable resistance to the surveillance model, with most farms continuing routine mass-treatment protocols despite growing evidence of anthelmintic resistance; critically, even where awareness of surveillance methods existed, cost considerations and perceived complexity presented substantial barriers to implementation. The research underscores that transitioning the sector towards more sustainable parasite management requires not only continued veterinary education, but also practical solutions addressing the economic and logistical constraints facing farm operators. For practitioners advising on parasite control strategies, these findings suggest the importance of tailoring recommendations to individual farm circumstances and clearly articulating the long-term cost and resistance-management benefits of surveillance approaches to overcome entrenched treatment habits.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Surveillance-based parasite control is the current recommendation but adoption on US horse farms is unclear—assess your own farm's current protocol against current guidelines
- •Implementation barriers likely include both knowledge gaps and economic considerations; consulting with your veterinarian about cost-effective surveillance options may improve adoption
- •Understanding farm owner attitudes and willingness to invest in new parasite management strategies is essential for designing effective transition programs from routine deworming
Key Findings
- •Current implementation of surveillance-based parasite control on Kentucky Thoroughbred farms remains unknown and likely limited
- •Study assesses farmer awareness of and attitudes toward transitioning from routine anthelmintic treatment protocols to surveillance-based approaches
- •Willingness-to-pay analysis indicates economic barriers to adopting recommended parasite control strategies