Pinworm burden is becoming an increasing problem for UK horse owners. Pinworm (Oxyuris equi) is not generally thought to be harmful but more of a nuisance and an irritant. However it is becoming more difficult to eliminate. The female can grow up to approximately 10cm in length and are white in colour. They reside in the large intestine and attach them selves to the intestinal wall to ingest the contents for food.
Adults produce eggs approximately 5 months after the initial infection which are found on the pasture, in faeces, contaminated water fences and walls.
Eggs are ingested by the horse and L3 larvae are released in the small intestine, they then migrate to the large intestine to develop into the mucosa to L4 larvae which then emerge and mature into adults. The female adults then migrate from the large intestine to the anus where they lay eggs in clumps on the perineal skin causing irritation around the anus leading to tail rubbing. These can be removed on a daily basis by cleansing the of the tail, anus and hindquarters with warm diluted disinfectant.
Active ingredients that treat for adult and pinworm larvae are Moxidectin, Ivermectin, Febendazole and Mebendazole although not all brands are licensed so care needs to be taken by checking the brand’s label.

Extra care should be taken in the stable environment to help reduce the risk of re-contamination from buckets, feed bowls, haynets and rugs etc. Do not share grooming brushes. A thorough clean with a heavy duty disinfectant in these areas and most importantly the stable after removing all bedding will help and is always a good idea in areas of animal care and management.

In some circumstances it may be possible for your vet to prescribe special preparations or treatments.

Really wish this weather would make its mind up today, i have sun glowing through the office window then when i look outside its raining.But at least i still have plenty of wormers to pack as everyone must be worming so they can turn out the horses for the winter

May Day

Treating for tapeworm is sometimes forgotton, the tapeworm life cycle is six months therefore we recommend treatment twice a year.If you need any help with your wormer planning we are happy to help at any time.

Wow what a busy week at work so far, glad we've got the easter holiday for a break. Everyone must be worming there horse's before they have an easter break.

Subject to availability we are currently supplying vouchers to obtain a FREE worm egg count with all purchases of Eqvalan Duo. We will send you a voucher including a unique reference code, which you will then need then to register online. You’ll then receive an email, which will let you know the date when your worm egg count kit will be sent and given further instructions on what to do once you receive it. A worm egg count can help to ensure that your horse gets the right wormer at the right time. Following the worm egg count, an independent specialist laboratory will let you know the parasite burden of your horse, detailing the worm species and numbers present. You will also be advised of the most appropriate worming plan for your horse

There must be alot of polo ponies out as we have never sold so many wormers in aday for polo ponies

LaminTec 5-HT

PED’s recently launched innovation in the horse feed supplement market, LaminTec 5-HT™, has won a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) International 2010 Innovation Award, in the Feeds & Supplements category. The company is the Reference Lab for a new type of test, Biogenic Amine Ratio or BAR™ and was set up to progress research into the root cause/s of laminitis susceptibility. Metabolic conditions associated with laminitis are life-threatening and commonly seen worldwide. P.E.D®’s innovation is to identify ‘biomarkers’ for imbalances in the body which occur over time and provide ways to measure the imbalances and help maintain health in the horse.

wormers-direct.co.uk are proud to be associated with LaminTec 5 -HT which has been available from day one. Click here for our online shop