THOROUGHBRED HORSES

Industry intervention integral to tackling escalating worm resistance in breeding regions

  • 3 pages

  • Published: 27 Apr 2023

  • Author(s): AgriFutures Australia

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The results of more than four years of research indicate resistance in intestinal parasites to commonly used dewormers is rife across all major thoroughbred breeding regions. Tests carried out on more than 3,400 faecal samples from 78 thoroughbred breeding operations across Australia have revealed high worm burdens, especially in younger horses, and escalating resistance to such dewormers.

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program is now turning to industry to drive the direction of research to stop resistance in its tracks by creating a practical, cost-effective control strategy for intestinal parasites in horses. Program Manager Annelies McGaw wants industry to play an integral role in driving this investment.

“We want Australia’s thoroughbred breeders to lead us in a direction that best meets their needs when it comes to worm management,” she said.

“The research has given us a clear picture of what is happening on the ground with regards to worm resistance, but we know worms are just one part of a much larger, complex landscape for thoroughbred breeders. 

“We want to understand where worms fit within breeders’ overall management program and priorities, and how we can best target our next phase of research to support practical and effective control strategies.”