Current concerns about control programs in temperate climates.

ABSTRACT

Efforts to control cyathostome nematodes in temperate climates have not been uniformly successful, as evidenced by contemporary reports of clinical disease and widespread anthelmintic failure. Indeed, effective control is confounded by numerous factors, including ignorance of local transmission patterns, confusing or conflicting control recommendations, and use of ineffective anthelmintics or regimens. Most of these problems are universal rather than being climatically unique, and it is important to recognize that they are mere symptoms of larger and more comprehensive problems. The most basic problem in managing cyathostomes is inadequate knowledge of biological factors that influence control recommendations. These include population dynamics, arrested development, host resistance, and regional bionomics. Another hindrance is the absence of objective criteria to define effective control. Target fecal egg counts are arbitrary and subjective, and parameters to measure the subclinical impact of cyathostome infection in well-managed horses have not been identified. The final general challenge to effective parasite control is motivation and education of equine practitioners and horse owners, who currently receive much of their parasite control information in the form of biased advertising. Ultimately, more effective equine parasite control will result from collaborative efforts of basic research, clinical application, and improved information transfer.