Parasite resistance to deworming medications is a growing threat to horses and livestock worldwide.  No new drugs are on the horizon to combat these resistant strains, and without effective anthelmintics parasites could become a major health concern for your horse.
 
Research conducted by the Maxwell Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, found that in a sample of five southern horse farms:
* 97% of horses carried worms resistant to fenbenzadole (Safeguard, Panacur)
* 53% carried worms resistant to oxibenzidole(Anthelcide)
* 40% carried worms resistant to pyrantel pamoate(Strongid)
Signs have also begun to emerge which indicate that strongyles may be developing resistance to ivermectin.  Recent studies in Holland report resistance of roundworms to ivermectin.
 
Every horseman can take steps to manage parasite concerns.
* Dose according to manufacturer's instructions.  Too small a dose may not eliminate worms, but too large a dose may be toxic.
*Follow manure management techniques to reduce fecal contamination of food and water sources.  For more information read our website article Green Horsekeeping:Manure Management.
*Isolate new horses until they have a fecal test and can be dewormed appropriately.
*Consult with your veterinarian to set up a suitable treatment program for your horse.
 
 GVEC has developed new, responsible worming protocols to reduce the impact of parasite resistance.  The new program will use effective drugs sparingly while testing to monitor the worm load in each individual horse.  The new deworming protocol can be reviewed in detail on our website.  New GVEC Deworming Schedule