Why worry about worms?
Every horse owner has heard about the danger of worms but without some knowledge it is hard to understand the impact worms can have on a horse.
A large percentage of horses and ponies carry some number of internal parasites (worms). In small numbers these parasites cause few problems, but if the host (horse) is left unchecked and the number of parasites increase above a certain level then this can cause a major threat to the well being/general health of the host. Large numbers cause internal damage, possibly leading to colic amongst other health issues. Worms also steal nutrition from your horse. Why pay for expensive feed only for your horse to be robbed of the nutritional value by worms. The host horse is not the only victim of the worms.
An apparently healthy looking horse can be carrying a large worm burden and apart from the danger to the horse itself, it is also a threat to other horses grazing in the same paddock. Faeces passed out on to the ground contains worm eggs, these are then picked up by other horses whilst grazing, which allows them to start their life cycle in another host. Left unchecked the vicious cycle continues.
Once you are able to ascertain a horses worm burden through a 'faecal worm egg count', you are then in a position to plan a worming strategy in consultation with your vet (who is best placed to advise you on treatment, targeting individual circumstances/health) and including regular faecal samples.
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