Pfizer explains the facts about tapeworm

Tapeworm is very common in UK horses1,2 and can be implicated in a number of health-related problems in horses, ranging from loss of condition to diarrhoea and colic3. Unfortunately a faecal worm egg count (FWEC) won't detect a tapeworm burden and not all wormers treat it effectively, so it's advisable to give tapeworm special consideration. The worming experts at Pfizer Animal Health explain the best way to keep your horse free from the potential dangers.

Tapeworms are white, flattened, segmented worms. They are usually found at the junction of the small and large intestine in your horse, using suckers to attach themselves to the gut wall. They feed by directly absorbing food from lumen of the intestine and can grow up to 20cm in length as a mature adult.

Research has shown that around 2 out 3 horses1,2 in the UK have some level of tapeworm infestation and that a horse infected with tapeworm is 26 times more likely to develop ileal impaction colic than a non-infected horse, and is 8 times more likely to experience spasmodic colic3.

Tapeworm eggs are passed in segments in the faeces by infected horses and eaten by forage mites on the pasture. The horse inadvertently grazes the mites, which are then digested in the intestine and an immature tapeworm released. The tapeworm matures inside the horse's gut into the segmented adult worm, which attaches to the gut lining and proceeds to shed segments of its body that contain eggs. The segments are broken down during gut transit and the eggs are passed out of the horse in faeces within 48 hours and the cycle begins again. Although the timings are not completely understood, the life-cycle takes between four and six months to complete.

Tapeworm will not show up in a standard FWEC. The best way to test for them is a tapeworm antibody test, which can be carried out by your vet. The level of antibody is used to identify the level of exposure to tapeworm and associated risk of tapeworm related disease.

The accepted method for tapeworm control is to break the cycle by using a proven wormer on a strategic basis. Ben Gaskell, Pfizer's veterinary advisor explains: "Treatment for tapeworm is usually carried out every six months, in the spring and autumn, and involves either a double-dose of a pyrantel-based wormer or a wormer containing Praziquantel, such as EQUEST PRAMOX®. Praziquantel is now regarded as offering an effective4 and single dose treatment for the control of equine tapeworms."

Take control of worm control by picking up your free EQUEST worming guide from your SQP retailer or vet. For further information, speak to your vet, SQP or click here.

Pfizer explains the facts about tapeworm

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