The law regarding yard worming programmes

[NewSeeker]

We are looking into setting up a worming programme on our yard, for which the yard owner will be responsible and will chose the products and worming dates.

Does anyone know where we stand on this legally with the new licencing regulations regarding worming?

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

I think you would have to be able to demonstrate that your programme followed current advice on maximum effectiveness/minimum resistance and in the purchase, the advice of a SQP. Provided you did that I reckon you would be covered (assuming you then had a system for ensuring the wormers were administered, doses were not underestimated etc).

Current advice does also recommend however that wormer use is targeted so you might want to eg look into getting a bulk discount for tapeworm blood testing from your vet, since that might make it as cheap as worming for tapeworm (assuming the tests are clear) and avoid unnecessary worming and resistance issues (important given tapeworms role in colic and increasing incidence).

From a YOs perspective I would require everyone to worm at least once a year for encysted small redworm and either worm for tapeworm or blood test and worm if positive for it. Other worming would be either regular worm counts - worming for medium or above counts, - or worming as a matter of course if they preferred.

Edited to add I wouldnt be happy with a YO imposed programme that required the use of a super combination wormer like pramox since some horses cant cope with it and it can be risky for them, so always allow same ingredient single wormers (eg Equest and Equitape instead of Pramox) for those who want that option - at their cost of course!

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Don't think its a problem because yard worming programmes are seen as benefical to horse welfare and worming on the same day is good practice.

It seems to be a marketing ploy/scaremongering by the intelligent worming people to drum up business.

Most yards have YO's with enough sense to discuss appropriate wormers and give options for worm counts instead with the exception of tapes. YO's buying in bulk saves the owner money and enables all womers to be on site for use on the agreed day which is good preventative medicine.

FWIW, I opted for bloods to be done for tapes a few years back for my three and it was eye-wateringly expensive.