Sustainable equine parasite control: perspectives and research needs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Equine Health Management

Background:

• Traditional equine parasite control relies on frequent anthelmintic administration, leading to widespread resistance.
• Increasing anthelmintic resistance necessitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable parasite control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term consequences of selective therapy in equine parasite control.
• To highlight the need for improved diagnostic tools for accurate parasite surveillance and treatment efficacy assessment.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses the principle of selective therapy based on individual fecal egg counts.
• It emphasizes the need for long-term studies to validate selective therapy's efficacy and impact on parasite populations.
• The review highlights the importance of advanced diagnostic tools for larval stages and specific parasite identification.

Main Results:

• Selective therapy, based on consistent individual fecal egg counts, offers a reliable basis for treatment.
• There is limited long-term data on the consequences of selective therapy and its effect on less common but pathogenic parasites like Strongylus vulgaris.
• Current diagnostic tools are insufficient for detecting prepatent larval stages and differentiating between strongyle species, and for tapeworm infections.

Conclusions:

• The traditional "treat-all" approach to equine parasite control should be abandoned in favor of fewer, targeted anthelmintic treatments.
• Further research and improved diagnostic techniques are crucial for developing and validating sustainable equine parasite control programs.