Reasoned deworming in horses: principles and best practices

Responsible deworming for horses reduces parasite resistance by avoiding routine treatments. Dewormers must be prescribed by a veterinarian after clinical assessment, using only AMM-approved equine products. Proper dosing requires accurate weight estimation to prevent underdosing or toxicity. Administration involves injecting paste correctly, ensuring no food in the mouth, and elevating the head during and after injection. Treat all horses in a group simultaneously. Avoid unregulated products, including bovine injectables and plant-based alternatives. Follow seasonal and age-specific protocols. Authored by equine health experts (Marie Delerue, Bénédicte Ferry, Pauline Doligé), published by Équipedia IFCE (April 2025), this guide promotes evidence-based practices to preserve dewormer efficacy.