Project WORMS launched to help tackle resistance crisis

Help to save horses’ health in the future by sharing your approach to worming

Members of the veterinary world have joined forces to launch Project WORMS (Working to Overcome Resistance and Make for a Sustainable future) in hope of finding a solution to the growing issue of resistance to wormers. This problem is rife within the equine population worldwide and is largely due to the way we manage our horses, so we must act now to protect their health in the future.

With the support of British Equestrian Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the approval from RCVS, VetPartners’ Equine Clinical Board, CVS Group and IVC Evidensia are working together to promote Project WORMS.

Julia Shrubb, vet and deputy chair of Vet Partners’ Equine Clinical Board, said: “In order to safeguard worming drugs, vets first need to understand how and why they’re being purchased and administered.” Therefore, the initial part of the project involves horse owners and stud managers completing surveys to give information on how and when they worm, and which products they use. The data that’s collected will then be used by vets who will work with horse owners to try and prevent wormer resistance leading to serious illness, disease or even death.

“Most horse owners want to do the right thing for their horses, now and in the future, but many are unaware of the seriousness of the impending resistance problems of current wormers,” Julia explained. “Information from the surveys will help us to help horse owners and keepers improve worming practices in the future. This will improve the effectiveness of anthelmintics for as long as possible and ultimately benefit the health and welfare of our entire equine population.”

With no new worming drugs on the horizon, it’s important we all know how and when to use them so we can do everything to protect the drugs that are currently available. So, we need to be responsible and use them strategically and only when necessary.

To find out more about the project and take part in the survey, visit projectworms.co.uk – data will be anonymous and anyone taking part can enter a prize draw with a chance to win £100 of Love2Shop vouchers.