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Summary: The objective of this study was to document the strongylid infection status of stabled horses residing in an arid environment with limited access to pasture. Faecal parasite examinations were conducted in a private equine practice in Southern California over a period of 7 years, from 2012 to 2018, from a variety of horses in seven different locations; not all horses living at these locations were studied. Results of all faecal examinations were obtained and tabulated, as to both total number of horses examined, as well as individual animals followed with at least four consecutive bi‐annual faecal examinations over a 2‐year period. A total of 851 faecal tests on 79 individual horses were performed during the 7‐year study period, and 78 (9%) were strongyle positive. By the end of the study period, during which horses were monitored and treated according to faecal flotation tests, 97% of 117 faecal flotation tests were negative for strongyle parasites. In conclusion, in a population of 79 adult horses living in dry, arid conditions, with little or no access to pasture, frequent deworming for strongylid parasites would appear to be less necessary than in other environments. Regular faecal monitoring of horses in such conditions is appropriate for determining the necessary level of anthelmintic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasite control in juvenile horses remains a substantial challenge for veterinary practitioners and their clients. This age group is at risk for various types of parasitic disease because their worm burdens tend to be larger and more diverse than in mature horses. This contrast is largely attributable to marked differences in relative levels of acquired immunity. Frequent, perennial anthelmintic treatment is not a sustainable approach for parasite control in this age group, but the simple, surveillance-based parasite control strategies recommended for mature horses are not appropriate for juveniles either. Maneuvering through the early years of a horse's life requires up-to-date knowledge about biology and epidemiology of the parasite species in play as well as local evidence regarding the anthelmintic resistance status of each herd. This article provides an overview of the most important helminth parasites to target in a control programme for juvenile horses, and highlights how the target species change as horses age. Young foals (<2 months) are exposed to Strongyloides westeri and Parascaris spp., whereas the primary target parasite in foals between age 2 months and weaning is Parascaris spp. Beyond weaning, the focus shifts away from ascarids, and the targets instead are strongyles and tapeworms. Gasterophilus spp. and Oxyuris equi are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine tapeworm infection has gained increasing attention over the past few decades and a number of research studies have already been published. These focus primarily on the most common of the 3 tapeworm species, Anoplocephala perfoliata, although some new information has also been generated for the other two species, Anoplocephala magna and Anoplocephaloides mamillana. The preponderance of research studies have focused on development and validation of diagnostic techniques for tapeworm detection and the role of these parasites in equine gastrointestinal disease. Several diagnostic techniques have been found useful for diagnosis of A. perfoliata but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Egg counting techniques have been modified to achieve acceptable to good diagnostic performance but the trade-off is often a more time-consuming method. Validation studies indicate that these methods can reliably detect tapeworm burdens above 10 worms. Several enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed and made commercially available. These can generate useful information about tapeworm exposure on the herd level but are less reliable for individual diagnosis. Unfortunately, none of the available diagnostic techniques are useful for evaluating anthelmintic treatment efficacy. Coproantigen testing may find use as a future diagnostic modality but further characterisation is required. The large body of scientific evidence supports an association between A. perfoliata infection and certain types of equine colic, although some discrepancy exists between studies. Tapeworm surveillance and control should be considered as part of the overall parasite control strategy. When properly used, the currently available diagnostic tools can guide the veterinarian to make strategic decisions regarding tapeworm control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]