Rotating wormer - new advice... help, Gill??

[chev]

Just been and got wormer for my lot and it comes free with a Handy Worming Calender. Ok, on this calender is a little blurb that says;

'Repeat programme year-on-year, with no requirement to rotate. Why no rotation? Because some experts are now of the opinion that a more effective way to reduce the risk of resistance is to stick to using wormers with long dosing intervals and no known resistance (criteria Equest and Equitape both fulfill) rather than rotate onto wormers with known resistance.'

So who are these experts? Has research been carried out to back these claims up? I can't find anything on it at all. This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that said calender came in a carton of Equitape, by any chance? ;)

How sound is the advice? I've always followed advice to rotate wormers to avoid resistance. :confused:

[Gill]

Hello Chev, there are different views on this one, depending what you read.

The manufacturers give the information you have read. They argue that there is no resistance to the drug you mention (as yet) and that the longer dosing intervals mean using less drugs, which is a good thing

Some other authorities say that this product is so precious, as it is one of only two to treat encysted redworm (and the other has widespread resistance problems), that we should reserve it for such use and only use it once a year.

A third view is that you can use it for a year or two and then change to another product, as recommended by standard worming programmes.

When deciding what to do try to keep an open mind and remember that each manufacturer is trying to push their own case so as to make more profit.

My own view is that it is still better, if you possibly can, to use a reduced worming programme only using the doses you need. This is also the recommendation of Liverpool Uni.

More info on reduced worming:
http://www.westgatelabs.com/samplereduced.htm

[chev]

Thanks Gill. I'm always slightly suspicious when it's the manufacturer telling me I only need to use their wormer.

We did use worm counts for a long time - have to confess I've let it slip over the past year or two and just stuck to a worming programme. Back to worm counts I think, especially with the new one, who I'm pretty certain has rarely (if ever) even seen wormer. :mad:

[jeevesycat2]

I'm completely thick when it comes to worming!

(I have above average IQ, but turn into a mushroom when it comes to which wormer shall I use)

Give Mile End,a ring 0870 240 3835, or email them - shelley@mileendequestrian.co.uk, they'll help put you right.

They're also reasonably priced - bonus!

J x

[Gill]

Anyone who sells wormers should be able to give you good advice as they all need to pass an exam in order to sell them.

Even if you are following a full worming programme you should still check your counts once or twice a year as there can still be problems.

Hopefully our new saddlers packs should be widely available soon so that you can pick up your worm count kit where you get your wormers or feed.