We welcomed Managing Director of Westgate Labs, Claire Shand to talk to us about the importance of targeted parasite control and the wider impact our de-worming practices may have on the environment.
Claire discussed the sustainable use of chemical de-wormers, including use of worm egg counts to determine whether your horse may need worming and the impact of drug resistance on horses’ health. Claire evaluated the wider environmental impact of de-worming drugs entering the soil and the potential harmful effects this has on micro-organisms and invertebrates that are essential for paddock health. Claire was joined by vet, David Rendle to answer questions about de-worming sustainably.
Resources
Dung beetles and parasite control fact sheet – https://www.westgatelabs.co.uk/media/1699/dungbeetles-parasitecontrol-jan23.pdf
World Horse Welfare advice on worming – https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/health/how-to-control-worms-in-horses
