Equine faecal egg counts - their role in reducing anthelmintic resistance

摘要

Faecal worm egg counts (FWECs) are a vital tool to help reduce anthelmintic resistance in horses. They can identify which horses require anthelmintic treatment in order to reduce the number of infective larvae present in pasture. Additionally, they can distinguish between strongyle and ascarid presence in faecal samples. FWECs do, however, have restrictions in their use. They are unable to identify pre-patent stages of worms that are pathogenic or to determine individual horse disease risk. Also, there is a weak correlation between egg count and worm burden. Despite these limitations, FWECs are a vital diagnostic tool, Used in combination with suitable pasture management techniques, they are an essential means of helping to reduce anthelmintic resistance.