How to Get Parasites Out

For effective parasite control, you must have your horse on a regular deworming program. Several options are available. Pick one that works best for you.

SINGLE PRODUCT, BROAD-SPECTRUM CONTROL
Broad spectrum compounds, like ivermectin, kill a wide range of equine parasites, including bots, when used regularly according to label directions. The paste is given orally from a pre-measured syringe. Proper dosage is based on the weight of the horse. Because of their broad spectrum control and no record of resistance, these products may be used exclusively in a deworming program.

ROTATIONAL DEWORMING
Many horse owners and veterinarians prefer to rotate between different dewormers to prevent resistance. Some small strongyles have shown resistance to benzimidazole compounds over the years.

If you rotate dewormers:

• Be sure to rotate between chemical classes, NOT just brand names. Parasites develop resistance to whole classes of drugs.
• As an example, ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate are often used for rotation because they come from different chemical classes. Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone. Pyrantel pamoate is a pyrimidine.
• Ivermectin is often included in rotation programs as a boticide. Many compounds, like pyrantel pamoate, do not have an FDA-approved claim for bot control.

DAILY DEWORMING
Over the past decade, daily deworming has become increasingly popular. A dose of pyrantel tartrate is fed daily to continuously kill parasites. Parasite larvae are killed before they have a chance to reproduce, reducing pasture contamination.

If you use a daily dewormer:

• Make sure your horse eats a full dose with his feed everyday.
• Daily deworming can provide significant benefits, but will increase your deworming program cost overall.
• Since pyrantel tartrate has no effect on bots, daily dewormers should be used in conjunction with a boticide, like ivermectin, twice a year.

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