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First cross-sector guidelines for worm control launched
The guidelines draw on the expertise of international authorities on equine health and parasitology.

Blanket treatments for drug-resistant equine worms are no longer recommended.

The first set of cross-sector guidelines for prescribers on equine worm control has been launched to tackle the rise in wormer resistance.

Developed by CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic Resistance in Equines Responsibly), the guidelines outline key principles to support vets, pharmacists, and SQPs in their prescribing decisions. They also recommend sustainable strategies for parasite control to equine clients.

CANTER chair Alison Pyatt, who launched the guidelines at the Equine Infectious Disease meeting (3 October), said: "Publishing the first edition of these industry-agreed guidelines is a seminal moment in the life of CANTER and our work to address the very real threat posed by anthelmintic resistance.

"Our intention is for them to be a free, easily accessible, live resource that underpins our first aim, to support prescribers with practical, evidence-based principles to slow wormer resistance."

The guidelines draw on the expertise of international authorities on equine health and parasitology to promote a consistent approach across prescriber groups. They state that repeated blanket treatments for drug-resistant worms are no longer recommended, and that prescribers should now consider alternative approaches, including:

  • applying pasture and horse management strategies to reduce parasite infection in the environment and break worm transmission cycles
  • using monitoring tools such as worm egg counts to inform the need to treat individuals shedding higher levels of eggs and to monitor for resistance
  • applying a risk-based approach to estimate parasite transmission potential in individual horses.

"Antiparasitic resistance is a critical and growing threat to equine health and welfare, so the publication of the CANTER guidelines as key principles for equine parasite control is a huge step forward in tackling this crisis," commented World Horse Welfare’s chief executive, Roly Owers.

"We have no doubt that the much-anticipated publication of the guidelines will be essential in promoting clarity and consistency in the approach to sustainable equine parasite control."

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.