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Project WORMS (Working to Overcome Resistance and Make for a Sustainable Future): horse owner survey on equine parasite control in the UK. Part 1. Management factors
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  • Julia Shrubb,
  • Natalie Robinson,
  • David Rendle,
  • Imogen Schofield,
  • Camilla Scott,
  • James Crabtree,
  • Graham Hunter,
  • Rachel Dean,
  • Russell Parker,
  • Tim Mair
Julia Shrubb
Ashbrook Equine Hospital
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Natalie Robinson
VetPartners Limited
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David Rendle
EMT Consulting
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Imogen Schofield
CVS UK Limited
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Camilla Scott
Rossdales LLP
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James Crabtree
Equine Reproductive Services UK Limited
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Graham Hunter
IVC Evidensia
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Rachel Dean
VetPartners Limited
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Russell Parker
Liphook Equine Hospital Limited
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Tim Mair
Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Background : Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites is increasing. Pasture management is a vital component of parasite control, and is important to limit the development of resistance. Objectives : Investigate how horse owners use management procedures to control common intestinal parasites in horses. Study design : Online survey. Methods : Questionnaire distributed via practices, equestrian organisations, etc., December 2021 - October 2022. Combination of multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions. Descriptive and inferential statistics performed in Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. Results : 4232 useable responses from the UK, predominantly England (85.4%). Premises included livery yards (45.7%) and private properties (51.1%). Most horses (70.4%) were aged 6-20 years. Over half (55.9%) were used for general riding/pleasure; 58.9% grazed with 1-3 other horses, while 20.7% grazed alone; 21.5% alternated or co-grazed with ruminants (significantly higher for horses grazing on private properties compared to horses grazing on livery yards; 73.3% of owners removed faeces from pastures (poo-picking), of which 86.4% removed faeces twice a week or more. Owners of horses pastured individually were significantly more likely to poo-pick (89.8%) than horses pastured in groups (68.9%); 77.1% of respondents rested pastures, but less than 5% for over 6 months. Only 5.1% of owners reported they had experienced illnesses related to worms in any horse (commonest clinical signs were colic and weight loss). Limitations : Selection bias. Conclusions : Results suggest a lack of understanding of the principles of non-chemical parasite control among many horse owners. Many owners (>25%) are not routinely poo-picking. Horses pastured alone or kept on a private property were significantly more likely to have their faeces regularly removed than thoses pastured in groups or kept on livery yards.
12 Aug 2024Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
12 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
12 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
12 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Sep 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Sep 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor