Parasitic Load in Horses Linked to Coat Conditions

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a novel tool that reveals a significant correlation between horses' parasitic loads and their coat conditions. Led by associate professor Jenifer Nadeau, the study found that horses with higher parasitic loads have worse coat conditions. This work has far-reaching implications for horse management and welfare.

Key Takeaways:

  • Horses with higher parasitic loads have worse coat conditions, including less hair luster.
  • The novel skin and coat condition scoring system developed by Nadeau and her graduate student, Nicole (Gonzalez) DeBel, can be used to evaluate horses' parasitic loads and coat conditions.
  • Selective deworming, practiced at UConn, helps reduce the chance of drug-resistant parasites by only deworming horses when they need it.
  • UConn regularly deworms its horses to prevent a buildup of parasites and has an effective parasitic control protocol in place.
  • The study's findings provide researchers and horse managers with a new tool to better understand how parasites affect horses and may be used to monitor improvement in horses subjected to abuse or neglect.
  • Nadeau is conducting a study to gather insight into the current deworming practices used by horse owners and equine professionals, inviting the public to submit their input through a survey.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 90% of horses have some parasites in their system due to parasites living on grass (Source: Study).
  • UConn regularly deworms its horses to prevent a buildup of parasites (Source: Study).
  • Selective deworming practices reduce the chance of drug-resistant parasites by only deworming horses when they need it (Source: Study).
  • Horses with a high parasitic load are dewormed again in the fall, while young horses may be dewormed in the summer due to higher parasitic loads (Source: Study).

Sources:

  • Nadeau, J. et al. (2023). Association between parasitic load and coat condition in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 102, 102909.
  • University of Connecticut News Release, "Researchers Study Association Between Parasitic Load and Coat Condition in Horses"