Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th October 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

First cross-sector guidelines for worm control launched
The guidelines draw on the expertise of international authorities on equine health and parasitology.

Blanket treatments for drug-resistant equine worms are no longer recommended.

The first set of cross-sector guidelines for prescribers on equine worm control has been launched to tackle the rise in wormer resistance.

Developed by CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic Resistance in Equines Responsibly), the guidelines outline key principles to support vets, pharmacists, and SQPs in their prescribing decisions. They also recommend sustainable strategies for parasite control to equine clients.

CANTER chair Alison Pyatt, who launched the guidelines at the Equine Infectious Disease meeting (3 October), said: "Publishing the first edition of these industry-agreed guidelines is a seminal moment in the life of CANTER and our work to address the very real threat posed by anthelmintic resistance.

"Our intention is for them to be a free, easily accessible, live resource that underpins our first aim, to support prescribers with practical, evidence-based principles to slow wormer resistance."

The guidelines draw on the expertise of international authorities on equine health and parasitology to promote a consistent approach across prescriber groups. They state that repeated blanket treatments for drug-resistant worms are no longer recommended, and that prescribers should now consider alternative approaches, including:

  • applying pasture and horse management strategies to reduce parasite infection in the environment and break worm transmission cycles
  • using monitoring tools such as worm egg counts to inform the need to treat individuals shedding higher levels of eggs and to monitor for resistance
  • applying a risk-based approach to estimate parasite transmission potential in individual horses.

"Antiparasitic resistance is a critical and growing threat to equine health and welfare, so the publication of the CANTER guidelines as key principles for equine parasite control is a huge step forward in tackling this crisis," commented World Horse Welfare’s chief executive, Roly Owers.

"We have no doubt that the much-anticipated publication of the guidelines will be essential in promoting clarity and consistency in the approach to sustainable equine parasite control."

Image (C) Shutterstock.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.