For effective parasite control, all horses should be included in a regular parasite control program. Several options are available. Consult your veterinarian and pick the one that works best for you.
Single Product, Broad-Spectrum Control
Broad-spectrum compounds, like ivermectin and moxidectin, kill a wide range
of equine parasites, including bots, when used regularly according to label
directions. Dosage is based on the weight of the horse.
Because of their broad spectrum control and no record of resistance, these
products may be used exclusively in a deworming program.
Rotational Deworming
Many horse owners and veterinarians prefer to rotate between chemical
classes, NOT just brand names. Parasites develop resistance to whole classes of drugs. For
example, ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate are often rotated because they come
from different chemical classes. Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone. Pyrantel
pamoate is a pyrimidine.
Ivermectin is often included in rotation programs as a boticide. Many compounds,
like pyrantel pamoate, do not have an FDA-approved claim for bot control.
Daily Deworming
Daily deworming has become more and more popular
over the past decade. A dose of pyrantel tartrate is fed
daily to continuously kill parasites as they enter the
horse. Parasites are killed before they have a chance to
reproduce, reducing pasture contamination.
If you use a daily dewormer, make sure your horse eats
his full dose every day.
Since pyrantel tartrate has no effect on bots, you need
to use a boticide, like ivermectin, twice a year.
