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Project WORMS (Working to Overcome Resistance and Make for a Sustainable Future): Stud owner and manager survey. 1 Prevalence of parasite–associated disease and management practices on farms
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  • James Crabtree,
  • Imogen Schofield,
  • Camilla Scott,
  • Julia Shrubb,
  • Natalie Robinson,
  • David Rendle,
  • Graham Hunter,
  • Rachel Dean,
  • Tim Mair
James Crabtree
Equine Reproductive Services UK Limited
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Imogen Schofield
CVS UK Limited
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Camilla Scott
Rossdales LLP
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Julia Shrubb
Three Counties Equine Hospital
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Natalie Robinson
VetPartners Limited
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David Rendle
EMT Consulting
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Graham Hunter
IVC Evidensia
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Rachel Dean
VetPartners Limited
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Tim Mair
Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic

Corresponding Author:tim.mair@btinternet.com

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Abstract

Background: Youngstock are susceptible to parasitic disease; the development of anthelmintic resistance is increasing. Objectives: Investigate stud owners’/managers’ perceptions of prevalence of parasite-associated diseases and current management approaches to control parasites on UK studs. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; on-line survey. Methods: SurveyMonkey questionnaires (multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions) distributed via practices, press, social media and snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics performed in Microsoft Excel and STATA. Statistical differences assessed with Fisher’s exact test or Mann Whitney U test. Results: 56 usable responses. The median number of foals born per farm per year was 9, and the median number of resident mares/permanent boarders was 14. Predominant breeds were Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. Perceived parasite-associated illness in the past year was reported by 35.7% respondents (weight loss (65.0%), diarrhoea (40.0%) and colic (15.0%)) with young adults (1-3 years) most affected (47.7%), followed by adults (31.8%), weanlings (27.3%) and foals (20.5%). New mares weren’t turned out until they were administered an anthelmintic in 53.6%, whilst 41.1% performed faecal egg counts and treated if necessary, and 16.1% turned mares out without treating or testing. The median stocking density was 0.3 mares / acre (significantly lower for Thoroughbreds than Warmbloods / “others” (p<0.01)). 32.1% of farms never “poo picked” pastures; 89.3% harrowed paddocks; and 57.1% co-grazed horses with ruminants. Main Limitations: Small sample size. Potential selection bias and response bias. Conclusions: Parasite-associated diseases on stud farms are common. Many farms fail to implement management practices (eg poo-picking, co-grazing with ruminants) that could reduce the risk of parasite transmission on the premises. Harrowing paddocks could increase the risks of parasite transmission. Results identify areas where management practices should be improved.
08 Feb 2025Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
10 Feb 2025Submission Checks Completed
10 Feb 2025Assigned to Editor
10 Feb 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned