Pinworms

See also: Horse Wormers (Manufacturers) | Horse Wormer (Chemicals) | Horse Worming Schedule

Pinworms
Pinworms can cause great irritation to the horse and therefore require a careful management programme in order to provide your horse with adequate protection.

Other Names
Oxyuris equi

Description
They are brown or dark grey in colour with the female Pin worms growing to around 7 to 15 centimetres in length and the males only growing to around 13 mm in length.

Pinworm eggs are a dull-yellowish colour and are sometimes found in clusters near the anus of an infected horse or in manure.

Pinworm Infection

Pin worm eggs are released with the droppings of an infected horse and contaminate the ground and sometimes water troughs.
These eggs are then ingested by another horse when they graze or through drinking.
Once eaton the eggs travel through to the horses large intestines and it is from here that the larvae mature into adults.
After approximately 5 months the adults can then release their own eggs either into the rectal area or they crawl out of the anal opening and release the eggs on the surrounding skin area.
The eggs can actually survive for several months before hatching.
Once the eggs do hatch they become infective larvae within a matter of days.

Horses At Risk
All horses are potentially at risk.

Symptoms

Lack of appetite.
Depression
Irritation to the horses anal area.
Extreme itching the tail and rump area.
Sores and sometimes infection in the anal area.

Prevention

Consult with your veterinarian in order to provide your horse with a suitable worming programme.
If you suspect Pinworms then consult your veterinarian immediately and discuss a suitable treatment programme.
Regular pasture management will help to control the spread of worms.