Deworming Drug Efficacy in European Horses

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Originally published on TheHorse.com

Numerous research papers and presentations over the last several years have noted that internal parasites in horses are growing more resistant to the deworming drugs (anthelmintics) we have available. A study of European horses presented at the 2009 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas, Nev., provided the latest evidence in support of the same grim reality.

"In the past, the selection pressure generated by erroneous use--or even abuse--of anthelmintics has led to the spread of drug-resistant parasitic populations," began Donato Traversa, DVM, PhD, Dipl. EVPC, of the University of Teramo, Italy. "This is particularly true for horse cyathostomins (small strongyles); recent evidence of reduced efficacy has been reported in Europe, the United States, and Latin America."

For this study, 1,704 horses with cyathostomin infection on 102 properties in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany were split into four groups. Each group was dewormed with fenbendazole, pyrantel, ivermectin, or moxidectin.

Researchers found fecal egg count reductions of less than 90% 14-16 days after deworming (indicative of drug resistance) as follows:

• Fenbendazole: 36% of Italian properties, 88.2% of UK properties, and 76.9% of German properties.
• Pyrantel: 31.6% of Italian properties, 18.1% of UK properties, and 25% of German properties.
• Ivermectin: 4.5% of UK properties and 1.6% of Italian properties.
• Moxidectin: One property in Germany.

"It is necessary for practitioners and horse owners to take a leading role in preserving the efficacy of the active anthelmintics by measures such as selective treatments or drug rotations," noted Traversa.

Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

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