09/04/2026
Just a few strongyles found on a routine f***l check.
F***l egg counts are so important to maintain happy herds and to guide deworming protocols.
Most important equine intestinal parasites follow a f***l–oral cycle:
1. Adult parasites live in the horse’s gastrointestinal tract
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2. Eggs are passed in manure
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3. Eggs develop into infective larvae on pasture
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4. Horse grazes and accidentally ingests infective larvae
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5. Larvae develop and mature into adults inside the horse
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6. Adults produce eggs → eggs are passed in manure → cycle repeats
🪱 Major Equine Parasites
Strongyles: Eggs → larvae on pasture → horse ingests larvae → adults develop in the intestine. Large strongyles can migrate through blood vessels and cause serious disease.
Ascarids: Eggs survive in the environment → horse ingests infective eggs → larvae migrate through the liver and lungs → swallowed back into the intestine → adults produce eggs.
Tapeworms: Eggs are passed in manure → mites on pasture ingest the eggs → horse eats infected mites while grazing → adult tapeworms develop in the intestine.
Bots: Eggs are laid on the horse’s hair → horse ingests them while grooming → larvae develop in the stomach → mature larvae pass out in manure and pupate in the environment.
🌱 Why Management Matters
Breaking the cycle is more effective than simply deworming repeatedly.
Good parasite control includes:
Routine f***l egg counts
Targeted deworming based on risk and parasite burden
Manure removal from pastures
Avoiding excessive stocking density
Rotating/maintaining grazing areas when practical
Considering age and individual risk when designing a deworming program
The goal: control parasites while minimizing unnecessary deworming and drug resistance.
