Blanket routine worming of horses is being replaced by targeted selective treatment programmes that are both better for welfare and necessary to combat growing anthelmintic resistance.
Uncontrolled parasite burdens cause significant welfare suffering through colic, diarrhoea, weight loss, poor coat condition, and in severe cases intestinal damage and death. The shift from blanket to targeted worming — using egg counts to guide treatment decisions — simultaneously improves efficacy, reduces chemical burden on low-shedder horses, and combats resistance. Horses treated only when genuinely needed are not subjected to unnecessary drug exposure while horses with high burdens receive timely treatment. Veterinary-guided targeted programmes represent best practice for both equine welfare and the long-term preservation of effective anthelmintic drugs.