Free guide available for prescribers and horse owners.
Recommended strategies for controlling parasites in horses have been updated by the pan-industry group Controlling Parasitic Resistance in Equines Responsibly (CANTER).
First published in 2024, the revised guidelines have just been released on the CANTER website.
This free, evidence-based resource for prescribers (SQPs/RAMAs), horse owners and the wider equine industry has been written by experts and endorsed by the CANTER Core Steering Group.
The strategies are designed to address the growing and increasingly urgent challenge of anthelmintic resistance in horses.
Said Julia Shrubb, chair of CANTER: “Anthelmintic resistance is one of the most significant challenges facing equine health today, and I would urge everyone involved in prescribing and advising on parasite control to make full use of this resource.”
The CANTER Guidelines set out the key principles of sustainable equine parasite control, encouraging a strategic, risk-based approach rather than routine treatment or an ad hoc approach to parasite control.
Research shows that indiscriminate use of wormers remains widespread and continues to accelerate resistance, increasing the risk to equine health and welfare across the UK, warns the group.
The guidelines support prescribers to:
- Assess parasite transmission risk using a structured, risk-based approach
- Use monitoring tools such as worm egg counts (FECs) and antibody testing to inform treatment decisions
- Apply pasture and horse management strategies to reduce reliance on anthelmintics
- Prescribe wormers appropriately and responsibly, based on current resistance profiles
