Beware the larval threat this autumn advise the worming experts
Beware the larval threat this autumn advise the worming experts Worming experts at Pfizer Animal Health are reminding horse owners of the importance of treating encysted small redworm larvae this autumn. | |
Encysted small redworm are a potential time bomb, with the ability to survive inside a horse for up to two years. They usually ‘wake-up' in the late winter or early spring, developing and emerging from the gut wall all at the same time. Such a sudden mass emergence can cause a disease syndrome known as ‘larval cyathostominosis', causing diarrhoea and colic with up to a 50% mortality rate (2). Treating encysted small redworm successfully in the late autumn or early winter is vitally important in order to prevent this serious risk.
Moxidectin, the key ingredient of EQUEST®, is recognised as the only single dose treatment for encysted small redworm. It has been shown to kill the larvae in-situ, without resulting in severe inflammation of the gut wall that other multi-dose treatments may cause (3). In addition, Moxidectin is licensed for persistent activity against small redworm over two weeks, killing larvae ingested as the horse grazes for up to two weeks after treatment.
Ben Gaskell, Pfizer's veterinary advisor explains: "A responsible and sustainable worming programme involves good pasture management, regular diagnostic tests and targeted worming, carefully planned using specialist advice. However, it is also vital to remember the danger of encysted small redworm. Even if your horse's FEC is clear, there could still be a significant encysted small redworm burden that must be treated properly every year in late autumn / early winter."
This autumn, don't compromise your horse's health - make sure that your worm control strategy includes a dose of EQUEST or EQUEST PRAMOX, the only wormers that contain moxidectin.
Added on: 02/09/10.
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