Impact of Deworming Treatments on Intestinal Parasite Load in Equines from Middle Tennessee

In this study fecal egg counts were performed on horses in six barns in Middle Tennessee to assess parasite load and the effectiveness of deworming programs. Samples were collected and tested before and after deworming and results found through the McMaster technique were compared with currently practiced deworming programs. Results showed the presence of parasites in all barns, though parasite load varied with a number of factors such as consistency of treatment, deworming frequency, and products used. All deworming products were found to be effective. This research provides insight to a more informed alternative deworming protocol, based on actual parasite load, than is typically used throughout the horse industry today. Future studies are suggested to compare the effectiveness of rotating products vs. use of a single product, and evaluating parasite load of stallions vs. mares or geldings.