Understanding Tapeworms in Horses: What Every Owner Needs to Know
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Tapeworms are a common but often overlooked parasite affecting horses, with studies showing that around a quarter of all horses in the UK and Ireland are infected. Despite their prevalence, many owners are unsure about how tapeworms affect their horse’s health, how infection occurs, and what the best treatment options are.In this blog post, veterinary surgeon Rosie Alcorn will explain all of this and guide you through everything you need to know to keep your horse healthy.
What are Tapeworms ?
Tapeworms are shown to infect around a quarter of all horses. Tapeworms get their name from their flat, segmented, tape-like appearance. There are three known species of tapeworm that affect horses in the UK and Ireland.
- Anoplocephala perfoliata
- Anoplocephala magna
- Anoplocephaloides mamillana
Where Are Tapeworms Found in Horses?
Tapeworms typically reside in the ileocaecal junction, the area where the small intestine meets the large intestine. Here, they attach to the gut wall and live off food that the horse ingests.
How Do Horses Become Infected?
The life cycle of a tapeworm involves oribatid mites, tiny organisms that live in pasture soil. The process works as follows:
- Tapeworm eggs are ingested by mites, where they develop into larvae.
- The horse accidentally eats the infected mite while grazing.
- Once in the horse’s intestine, the larva is released and attaches itself to the intestine wall.
Health Risks and Symptoms
While some horses may show no obvious signs of infection, tapeworms can cause:
- Colic or digestive upset
- Diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Damage to gut tissue
How to Test for Tapeworms
Traditional worm egg counts are often unreliable for tapeworms because eggs are deposited in vesicles (pod like structures) rather than being evenly distributed in the faeces.
To test for tapeworms we use a EquiSal test. This is a simple test using the horses saliva to measure the antibodies they have towards tapeworms.
Key points about testing:
- Results are reported as low, borderline, or moderate/high.
- Testing allows for targeted worming, avoiding unnecessary treatment.
- Horse owners can perform this simple saliva test themselves.
Horses should be tested for tapeworm every 6 months, at least 4 months after the last tapeworm treatment. It is usually recommended this is done in the spring and autumn.
Treatment Options for Tapeworms
Testing for tapeworms is the gold standard before treatment. When treatment is necessary, there are two main options:
- Praziquantel-containing wormers – highly effective against tapeworms.
- Pyrantel – given as a double dose for maximum efficacy.
All treatments should be administered following veterinary guidance to ensure correct dosage and effectiveness.
Tapeworms can be tricky, but understanding them makes a world of difference for your horse’s health. By spotting the signs early and knowing the right treatment options, you can keep your horse comfortable, happy, and thriving.
Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc MRCVS PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS VCI
