| There are a wide range of worms which pose a
threat to your horse’s health, each having varying
types and degrees of effect on the health of your
horse, from a minor irritation through to diarrhoea,
colic and even death! |
 |
Equine parasites can be divided into three classes:
• Roundworms - Nematodes
• Tapeworms - Cestodes
• Bots - Insects |
|
| The main threat to your horse is the small
redworm, which is today the most common worm
found in your horse, but there are many others
including large redworms, large roundworms,
bots and tapeworms. These will all be explored in
further detail. |
|
|
| Roundworms |
Roundworms are
the most common class of parasites to affect your horse. A
wide range of species fall within this class, with the small
redworm being the most common parasite to affect horses today. more>> |
| |
| Tapeworms |
| It is estimated
that up to two-thirds of horses in the UK have an infection
of tapeworm (Lyons S et al, 2000) (Owen
R et al, 1998). Tapeworm infection can be a significant
factor in potentially fatal instances of spasmodic colic, ileal
impaction and intussusception colic (Proudman
C et al, 1998) (Barclay W et al, 1982). The most common
species of tapeworm found in the UK is Anoplocephala perfoliata. more>> |
| |
| Bots |
| Bots can be more of a local
issue with the bot fly season being more defined or limited
in northern than warmer southern regions of Britain. In some
regions of the south over 50% of horses are infected with bots (Morgan et al, 2005). Bots themselves are the larvae
of the bot fly and can live in the stomach of a horse for up
to 10 months. more>> |
|
|
|
