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
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.