Equine parasite control in autumn: moving from routine treatment to risk-based intervention

Parasite control in horses should now be based on risk assessment, effective pasture management and diagnostic testing to support evidence-based decision making. Autumn represents a key stage in the annual parasite control cycle, as helminth burdens accumulate during the summer grazing season and require detailed assessment before treatment decisions are made in autumn. The most clinically significant parasites affecting UK horses are the cyathostomins (small redworms) and Anoplocephala perfoliata (tapeworm), both of which can cause serious disease when present in sufficient numbers. Historically, these parasites were controlled using routine autumn all-group anthelmintic treatments; however, the emergence and spread of resistance means this approach is no longer feasible. Autumn provides a key opportunity to identify horses most likely to benefit from treatment, while avoiding unnecessary treatments in those at low risk. This targeted approach reduces anthelmintic use and helps limit selection pressure for resistance. Following an autumn risk assessment, antibody-based tests support treatment decisions for cyathostomin and tapeworm infections, as faecal egg counts have limited value at this time of year because of their poor correlation with total parasite burdens. Integrating risk assessment, diagnostic testing and effective management enables targeted anthelmintic use, reducing unnecessary treatment and helping preserve the efficacy of the existing products.