Tragic Horse Death Highlights Dangers Of Encysted Small Redworm Say Zoetis

The tragic death of an abandoned horse suffering from irreparable worm damage is a stark reminder of the risks of not following a responsible worming plan, say the worming experts at Zoetis. The young mare was found earlier this month, abandoned and collapsed, in a very weak state in a secluded spot in Surrey. The story was reported widely on equestrian websites and through social media. Despite the efforts of the RSPCA and a local vet nothing could be done to save her. She was suffering from cyathostominosis, a potentially fatal syndrome caused by the mass emergence of small redworm from their dormant, encysted state. Encysted small redworm (ESRW) are the larval stages of the small redworm that hibernate in the lining of the gut. They usually ‘wake up’ in the early spring and their mass emergence can lead to larval cyathostominosis, causing diarrhoea and colic. There is a mortality rate of up to 50% but the risk can be prevented with a responsible, timely worming regimen.¹ “ESRW are one of the most harmful parasites to affect horses in the UK,” explains Wendy Talbot, Zoetis vet. “Unfortunately because they don’t show up in a standard faecal worm egg count some horse owners are unaware that they must treat for them every year, during the late autumn/early winter, regardless of faecal worm egg counts.^2,3” Last year’s annual National Equine Health Survey⁴, revealed that one in five owners who claimed to have treated for encysted small redworm (ESRW) used a wormer that was not indicated to treat these potentially lethal encysted parasites. This suggests that many horses could be at risk. All horses can develop larval cyathostominosis but those that may be particularly vulnerable are youngsters, old or immune-compromised horses (such as those with Cushing’s disease), those with an unknown or sub-optimal worming history and those that were not dosed correctly in late autumn/early winter. “Sadly I have seen too many cases like this poor mare” says Wendy. “If you have a horse showing signs possibly related to a worm burden such as loss of condition, sudden weight loss or diarrhoea, it’s important to contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.” Learn more about the Zoetis encysted small redworm awareness campaign at www.esrw.co.uk and test your knowledge before discussing the best treatment options with your vet or Suitably Qualified Person (SQP). The site contains an informative video, a quick quiz and a helpful advice leaflet that can be downloaded. For further information, visit www.wormingyourhorse.info. You can also download Stable Mate, the horse health management App from Zoetis. It is available from the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store: text Stable Mate to 80800 to download. Dowdall S.M.J. et al (2002) Veterinary Parasitology 106, 225-242Reinmeyer CR and Nielsen MK (2013) Handbook of Equine Parasite Control. 45-53Nielsen (2012) Veterinary Paristology. 185. 32-44The National Equine Health Survey, conducted by the Blue Cross and supported by Zoetis, was completed by 3,669 horse owners in May 2014. The survey contained 25 questions on general horse health, care and management and was validated by Professor Josh Slater of the Royal Veterinary College.

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