New Worming Message From Merial: ‘Treat Every Horse As An Individual’

Merial’s SMART worming message is now well-established and is a recognisable system that horse owners can effectively use to help manage their worming programmes. Communication of the targeted worming message is certainly difficult and although the equestrian media is behind the idea, still vets across the country are faced with clients unwilling to change their out-dated worming methods. To help change their minds, Merial’s four SMART rules of worming might be the way forward. Simple, clear and easy to understand, at this time of year the third one is very much the relevant rule – ‘Treat every horse as an individual.’ Take the time to explain the reasons behind this rule and you may find a horse owner more willing to change. After all, they feed each horse as an individual, so in the same way they should worm each horse as an individual. The 80/20 split They may look similar, but each horse’s burden of worms and susceptibility to worms is different. It is estimated that around 20% of the horses in a herd will carry 80% of the worm burden, so treating all horses at the same time and with the same dose could mean treating some horses unnecessarily. In most cases horse owners should consider worming an adult horse if the worm egg count is over 200 epg – this can be determined with a faecal worm egg count, so rule three can be emphasised to encourage take up of worm egg counts in practice, adding value to your services. Measure up Ensure accurate doses are given by asking clients to calculate the weight of their horses using either a weighbridge or a weigh tape – not all horses need exactly one tube of wormer. Giving too small a dose of wormer increases the risk of resistance. The worms are exposed to treatment at a level that doesn’t kill them but potentially allows them to develop resistance. Alternatively, too large a dose gives no additional benefit. Accurate dosing and only dosing when needed ensures each horse is treated as an individual. New materials Help get the message across with the range of promotional material, leaflets and posters, or direct clients to find out more online at www.smartworming.co.uk where clients will also be able to download their planner in mobile app format. To find out more contact your local Area Manager or call the Merial Customer Support Centre on 0845 601 4236.

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