New guidance published on equine anthelmintic resistance
The advice highlights the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT).
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has expanded its ProtectMEtoo Toolkit with new advice on anthelmintic resistance.
Launched at this year’s BEVA Congress, the addition gives veterinary surgeons and horse owners support with detecting and managing anthelmintic resistance.
The new section provides practical, step-by-step guidance on tackling the increasingly common issue. This includes advice on monitoring for resistance, interpreting results and managing confirmed cases.
BEVA notes that established resistance can be difficult, or even impossible, to reverse. However, the organisation says that identifying it early can allow for appropriate changes to parasite-control strategies.
It suggests that such approaches will protect equine health, slow the development of further resistance, and preserve the effectiveness of remaining anthelmintic treatments.
The section highlights the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) as the most reliable method of assessing an anthelmintics effectiveness.
New advice in the ProtectMEtoo Toolkit therefore describes how to conduct and interpret an FECRT. It also sets out the correct steps to take when resistance is confirmed, rather than simply switching from one wormer to another.
However, BEVA notes that resistance does not need to be confirmed before improvements are made to a parasite management strategy. It suggests that parasite control is based on targeted treatment, regular monitoring, effective pasture and stable hygiene, and grazing management.
Nicky Housby-Skeggs, leader of BEVA’s Anthelmintic Working Group, said: “While preventing resistance from developing in the first place is always the best approach, we also need to be equipped to manage it when it is already present,
“Monitoring the effectiveness of wormers at herd level is an essential component of sustainable parasite control and should be undertaken at least annually. This new guidance is designed to give vets and owners the practical tools they need to manage, monitor and reduce resistance risk.”
The new anthelmintic resistance section of the ProtectMEtoo Toolkit can be found online here.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
