worm counting?

I worm count every couple of months and then worm accordingly. However appart from worming for tape worm which isn't shown up in standard worm counts, I haven't wormed my pony for the last three yrs as she hasn't needed it. I don't see the point in putting chemicals in it which she doesn't need and also pretty soon were not going to have any chemicals left which actually kill worms anyway! Due to them becoming immune to it. Also its pretty good as it costs me 6quid to worm count and a fair whack more to worm! So may as well worm count and then worm as needed.
 
You can get faecal egg counts done quite cheaply but they are best used to check if your wormers are working. They can give a slight indication of worm burden for certain species of worm that are at egg laying stage. Tapeworm and encysted larvae are not able to be assessed from egg counts. You should still worm for tapeworm in autumn and encysted in winter (or before spring). I worm count in spring+ summer
 
Accuracy also relies on how accurate a sample of faeces is taken. Eggs are not shed at a constant rate and an egg count will only assess how many eggs are in that sample, usually between 2 and 4grams is used from a sample for each solution.
 
But poniesrock what about the other worms the count don't pick up on? If you only worm for tape, bots,encyested,pinworm aren't being wormed for which aren't shown up. I would be worried with that.
 
Fimbacob said:
You can get faecal egg counts done quite cheaply but they are best used to check if your wormers are working. They can give a slight indication of worm burden for certain species of worm that are at egg laying stage. Tapeworm and encysted larvae are not able to be assessed from egg counts. You should still worm for tapeworm in autumn and encysted in winter (or before spring). I worm count in spring+ summer
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This ^^

Larvae encysted in the gut or migrating around the body wont be shown. Tapeworm is not shown and immature worm that are not laying eggs do not show.That can be quite a large worm burden that the test will not identify.

If you want to be sure that your horse's worm burden is reduced, you need a regular and rotational worming programme. Your wormer supplier should be able to make you a year planner.
 
I'm sorry but you certainly don't need a 'regular and rotational worming programme' these days. That is very old fashioned advice and does not guarantee good worm control.
What you do need as all industry experts and vets agree, and even pfizer who make Equest, is a plan based on tests with appropriate wormers added. This might be 3 x tests per year with worming for encysted worms and tapes added at this time of the year. If the counts rise then add in the correct product to cope. This will cover all you need. The control should improve with time and fewer wormers will be needed. If your horse should show signs of pinworm then you can treat appropriately but it is not necessary for all horses to have a routine dose in case of this minor problem.
 
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