New saliva test for tapeworm burden
Just 19 per cent of horses tested had a tapeworm burden needing treatment.
Horses can now be tested for tapeworm using a saliva sample for the first time, thanks to a new laboratory test developed by Austin Davis Biologics Ltd (ADB).
Previously, the only definitive method of testing for tapeworm was via blood taken by a vet. The new EquiSal Tapeworm Test is the first of its kind to use saliva to measure a horse's tapeworm burden.
It uses a sample of the horse's saliva, taken using a specially developed swab. The level of tapeworm-specific antibodies is analysed at the EquiSal laboratory to give an indication of the horse's tapeworm burden.
It is hoped that routine testing for tapeworm will be more accessible to horse owners as a result.
David Booth, managing director at Westgate Laboratories, who offer the test, said: "This will revolutionise the way we worm for tapeworm in horses. Worm counts and saliva testing must now become the core of everyone’s worming programme if we are to preserve the few effective wormers we have left."
ADB director Dr Corrine Austin said the number of horses with tapeworm appears to be lower than expected. "Only 19 per cent of horses tested had a tapeworm burden requiring treatment. This percentage is even lower in well managed yards.
"Many animals are being over-wormed for tapeworm when routine dosing strategies are used. Routine dosing increases the speed at which worms gain resistance, and with only two drugs licensed for tapeworm in horses, this should be a major concern to horse owners."
Current advice is to test horses twice a year at six monthly intervals and a minimum of four months after the last tapeworm dosing.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
