Parasite Control Strategies

Interactions between Parasitic Infections and Reproductive Efficiency in Horses

“…As mentioned above, the selective treatment strategies for the parasites of interest can be incorporated into the annual life cycle of a horse, which runs according to the gestation of the animal. In this context, one-or two-yearly treatments suffice for the prevention of infection by large strongyles [104]. With regard to broodmares shedding a low number of eggs, treatment with ivermectin (concurrently with or without praziquantel) in the autumn and in the spring, immediately before foaling or immediately post-partum, is considered a safe, useful and sustainable method [104][105][106].…”

“…In this context, one-or two-yearly treatments suffice for the prevention of infection by large strongyles [104]. With regard to broodmares shedding a low number of eggs, treatment with ivermectin (concurrently with or without praziquantel) in the autumn and in the spring, immediately before foaling or immediately post-partum, is considered a safe, useful and sustainable method [104][105][106].…”

“…However, the resistance to antiparasitic compounds of helminthes recovered from foals [107][108][109] complicates the design and establishment of appropriate anthelmintic schemes for foals. In any case, the first anthelmintic treatment should not be performed later than the age of two months [104]. Moreover, as increased doses of drugs have often been recommended for foals, it is noteworthy that administration of unlicenced doses of drugs to horses is the responsibility and concern of the prescribing veterinarian with regard to the safety of the drug and maintenance of increased withdrawal periods.…”