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Resistance to wormers growing
Cindy
Cindy weighed 60kg more than expected.

Owners urged to check their horse's weight before dosing

There is a growing resistance to wormers because many owners are not giving their horses the appropriate dosage for their weight, according to animal health experts.

A survey carried out last year by the British Riding Club revealed that 44 per cent of horse owners surveyed do not weigh their horse before worming. Not weighing puts horses in danger of under-dosing, which causes worms to develop resistance to the wormers used and can also have a serious impact on how worm burdens can be managed in the future.

The issue of weight was recently highlighted in case studies from a private yard in Suffolk. Cindy, for example, is a 13.hh Connemara mare in 'summer' condition. Her owner was very surprised when the weighbridge clocked her up to 380kg - a full 60kg more than was expected. Usually Cindy's owner splits one wormer, designed for dosing a horse up to 600kg in weight between two similarly sized ponies, when means that she has been significantly under-dosing.

Experts say that resistance to wormers is a growing problem. When a parasite population previously controlled by a drug is no longer susceptible to that drug it is known as resistance. The active ingredient within the horse wormer kills the sensitive parasites in the population, but those parasites not affected go on to create new generations of resistant parasites. 

Eventually, if this process continues, only resistant worms remain the the population. Frequent dosing or under-dosing can cause resistance to occur, reducing the effectiveness of the wormer.

Vet Wendy Talbot said that ideally owners should be weighing their horses at least once a year using the accuracy of a weighbridge.

"Several feed manufacturers offer a portable weighbridge service," said Wendy.  "Weigh tapes, although less accurate, are a great way to keep tabs on weight once you have the accuracy of the weighbridge weight to refer to and have factored in any discrepancies. Remember that many horses will change in weight throughout the year."

Image (C) Zoetis



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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.