Swiss Researchers Encourage Modern Parasite Control Methods

Using their “check-before-treat” program, scientists are finding record-low equine parasite burdens in Switzerland.
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Swiss Researchers Encourage Modern Parasite Control Methods
Recent verifications have shown that, within the horse population that’s managed according to the program, less than 8% of fecal samples indicated a need to actually treat the adult horse (at least three years old) with a dewormer. | The Horse Staff
Getting horse owners to evolve in how they manage equine intestinal parasites is critical for reducing the risk of anthelmintic resistance—but it’s also a complicated endeavor. The scientists behind new nation-wide programs in Switzerland, however, are leading the way in effecting change. By involving researchers, veterinarians, stable owners, and horse owners in their check-before-treat program, scientists are finding parasite burdens at record lows.

Recent verifications have shown that, within the horse population that’s managed according to the program, less than 8% of fecal samples indicated a need to actually treat the adult horse (at least three years old) with a dewormer. And that, the researchers said, is excellent news.

“Owners are more and more convinced by the approach and the thinking behind a check-before-treat system,” said Hubertus Hertzberg, PhD, researcher at the University of Zurich Vetsuisse Faculty Institute of Parasitology and head of parasite monitoring at HealthBalance, a private holistic animal management and veterinary practice, in Niederuzwil, Switzerland. Here, Hertzberg leads a team entirely focused on equine parasite management.

“The owners don’t want unnecessary, costly treatments, and they like to contribute to the combat against anthelmintic resistance,” he said. “It’s also better on an ecological level, since anthelmintics are shed on pasture, which can disturb the ecosystem. And they see that their horses remain healthy with much less drug input compared to the previous system

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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