Understanding and Managing Pinworm (Oxyuris Equi) in Horses: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention
A Guide for Horse Owners
Are your horses experiencing irritation or discomfort?
Recently, we have observed an increased number of pinworm (Oxyuris Equi) cases being reported. This article provides information on pinworms, including their lifecycle, symptoms and treatment options, and introduces our new postal pinworm diagnostic test available through Worm-Ed.
Key Facts
Pinworm is NOT a life-threatening condition. At worst it can cause secondary skin infections and hair loss due to the irritation associated with it. We need to diagnose pinworm before worming as there are numerous conditions that will cause your horse to scratch and pinworm is just a small contributor. If one horse has pinworm not all horses on the property will necessarily be affected. We should NOT worm just because our horse is itchy. This over-use of chemicals will contribute to drench resistance and reduce our ability to treat worms that actually do have significant disease associated with them, such as the small strongyles (redworm) and ascarids (roundworm).
Recognising the symptoms:
Pinworm infections in horses are often indicated by the following symptoms:
- Tail rubbing or hair loss around the tail area.
- Restlessness and irritability.
- Scratching the hindquarters against surfaces.
- Visible worms around the anus or in feces.
- Inflamed or sore skin around the tail.
If your horses exhibit any of these signs you should consider the possibility of a pinworm infection.
The Life Cycle of Pinworms:
Understanding the life cycle of pinworms can help in managing and preventing infections. Adult female pinworms migrate to the anus to lay eggs, causing irritation and prompting the horse to rub its tail. These eggs are then transferred to surfaces such as bedding, stall walls or fence posts. When horses come into contact with these contaminated areas, horses can ingest the eggs, leading to reinfection. The eggs hatch into the intestines, where the larvae mature into adult worms, continuing the cycle.
Diagnosis is made with a tape prep test where an adhesive tape is pressed around the anus and if eggs are present, they can be observed under the microscope
Treatment and Management:
Several effective treatment and control options are available for pinworm infections:
- Administering appropriate anthelmintic/dewormer medication after diagnosis.
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the horses living environment.
- Frequent grooming and hygiene practices.
- Rotating pastures to reduce exposure to contaminated areas.
- Following a tailored Worm-Ed management programme
Introducing Our New Postal Pinworm Diagnostic Test
We are excited to announce the launch of our new postal pinworm diagnostic test through Worm-Ed! This convenient service allows you to collect and send samples for analysis yourself, ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis. With early detection, you can take proactive steps to manage and prevent pinworm infections in your horses. To order a test kit, please visit your online portal or access our shop through our website www.worm-ed.com free consultations can also be booked via the online booking button.
