|
|
|
AdvertisementChoose equine dewormers carefullyWhen confronted by shelves and shelves of dewormers, many horse owners can be confused about their choices--and the issue of equine parasite resistance adds even greater confusion. "Multiple studies from across the country have shown entire classes of dewormers are no longer working against small strongyles, which are a serious equine parasite threat," says Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, director, Merial Veterinary Services. "Now, the challenge to every person who cares about horse health is to help preserve the remaining dewormer classes--while keeping their horses healthy." There are only three major chemical classes of dewormers. Dr. Hurtig notes that well-documented resistance to small strongyles has been demonstrated against benzimidazoles, which is one of the older classes of dewormer. In addition 40.5 percent of farms surveyed in a study had small strongyles that were resistant to pyrantel, a second chemical class of dewormer. Macrocylic lactones represent the third chemical class, containing ingredients like ivermectin and moxidectin. Studies show that this class is still effective against small strongyles and other key parasites. However, because ingredients like ivermectin and moxidectin work in similar ways, experts believe that if parasites were to develop resistance to either ingredient, it would leave virtually all dewormers ineffective against this serious parasite threat. "It's time to choose and use deworming products with greater thought and care," Dr. Hurtig urges. "The first two concerns for all horse owners should be to identify which horses are shedding the most worm eggs and to determine the performance of the product most recently used at their barn or on their farm. Then, horse owners can selectively treat horses and this may help to slow the further development of parasite resistance." Dr. Hurtig recommends starting by talking to your veterinarian about doing fecal egg count tests to identify the horses on your property that are shedding the most worm eggs. Once identified, deworming treatments can be directed at these animals. "About 20 to 30 percent of the horses on a farm, or in a barn, put out about 80 percent of the eggs," Dr. Hurtig says. "This apparently relates to individual animal variability with regard to immunity to some parasites but much remains unknown on the topic." "The goal of today's deworming program should no longer be to eliminate all worms," Dr. Hurtig says. "One approach, is to reduce transmission and limit worm egg output. If owners or veterinarians can identify and selectively treat horses with high worm egg output, they can help control parasites on the farm and help reduce the possibility of those parasites developing resistance. Of course, one's first instinct often is to try to eliminate all parasites from every horse, but it may not be the best option--now or in the future." Finally, horse owners should choose a product from a reputable manufacturer so any concerns can be addressed fully, Dr. Hurtig says. "For example, Merial backs every syringe of ZIMECTERIN (ivermectin) and ZIMECTERIN Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel) with a 100 percent Product Satisfaction Guarantee," Dr. Hurtig says. "Not only do we stand behind the product's performance, but we will work with the horse owner and their veterinarian to thoroughly address any concern." Small strongyles are considered both a health concern for horses and susceptible to developing resistance. ZIMECTERIN Gold is effective against small strongyles and controls more species and stages of equine parasites--including the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata--than any other brand. "Parasite control is an important part of every horse health program, and Merial encourages horse owners to discuss creating a specific, customized program with their veterinarian," Dr. Hurtig says. "The staff at Merial routinely works with local veterinarians and independent parasitologists. If you have a concern, you can trust that we'll do the same for you. Owners should be able to trust that their dewormer is working, even while we consider the future performance of deworming products." Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
60926