Study finds increasing use of tapeworm saliva testing can reduce number of anthelmintic treatments prescribed to equine patients.
A targeted treatment strategy using a tapeworm saliva test has been proven to control burdens of the parasite, as well as significantly reduce the use of anti-tapeworm anthelmintics.
The study, published in Equine Veterinary Journal, reported findings from 237 equines at Bransby Horses in Lincoln, where EquiSal Tapeworm saliva testing was used to inform on anthelmintic administration over the course of a year.

Reduced use

This diagnostic-led approach reduced the use of anti-tapeworm treatments by 86%, compared to six-monthly interval treatment strategies.
In this latest study, most horses diagnosed below the treatment threshold in the first saliva test remained below the threshold in the following two tests and 168 horses (71%) required no anti-tapeworm treatment at all.

Susceptible

No increase in tapeworm infection prevalence was observed during the study period and seven horses received treatment following all three saliva tests, suggesting some horses are more susceptible to tapeworm infections.