Ridecamp: RE: [RC] worming questions

Peggy I have a similar acreage to you and feeding about the same except for never feeding except when they aren't on the pasture. Last winter because it was so mild and very wet/mushy I had them in our drylot and fed and hayed then. I have 5 horses on 21 acreas of rolling hills. We bushog a bit more for weed control than you but pretty much the same. I had been worming every 6-8 weeks with Ivermectin only. This fall I decided to check with a fecal egg count how clean my guys were. They were spotless. No eggs found.

 

I would recommend a fecal count to start with for sure so at least you know where they are worm wise and go from there.

 

God Bless,

Susan in Midwestern Illinois

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Peggy Burgess
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2002 11:15 PM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] worming questions

I am requesting some assistance in developing an effective worming program.  The archives (some recent and some dated posts) include several 8 week rotations of various classes/brands of wormers, annual rotation with in classes (one class per year), Spring/Fall rotation of Strongid 1st month and Ivermectin the 2nd month, some included pasture management practices, but most did not.  many rotations shared consistency  in two methods:  Ivermectin for control of bots after a killing frost and Spring/Fall or at least Fall Fenbendazole purge (most stated Panacur, but at least one Safe Guard) for controlling tape worm and encysted small strongles.  Several posts suggested single dose panacur before the 5 day double dose purge to reduce the risk of colic in horses with heavy parasite load.  More than one post cautioned the use of Quest.  Panacur suspension and Ivomec injectable were suggested as cost control measures.

 

I know individual circumstances influence the effectiveness of any worming schedule, so here are a few details.  I pasture three horses and two ponies on 25 acres in North Central WV.  Spring pasture is usually lush in April and a light to heavy frost usually hits near mid October.  My horses are on turn out 24/7 except morning and evening feedings and during very extreme winter weather.  Based upon grass growth patterns, my horses don't seem to graze areas where they drop manure.  We drag the pasture and brush hog twice in most years, but pasture rotation isn't practical due to terrain and property lines.  I am considering the following:

October:  fenbendazole purge using Panacur suspension

November:  ivermectin using Ivomec injectable

February:  ivermectin

April:  fenbendazole purge

July:  ivermectin

 

Does this schedule seem adequate without unnecessarily stressing my companions?  Are Panacur suspension and Ivomec injectable still recommended for use in horses?  If so, what is the dosage (single and double)?  Any other comments/recommendations are welcome - especially from our vets and nutrition experts.

 

Thanks for your suggestions,

Peggy Burgess,

AERC #9060