CANTER has announced the addition of two important new chapters to its Guidelines for Sustainable Equine Parasite Control, strengthening the support available to prescribers, horse owners and the wider equine community, 11 May 2026.
Following extensive revision earlier this year, the Guidelines have now been further expanded to include dedicated chapters on parasite control in youngstock and on quarantine protocols for new equine arrivals. These additions address two areas of significant risk in the ongoing challenge of anthelmintic resistance.
CANTER Chairman Julia Shrubb commented:
“These new chapters mark an important step forward in supporting more informed, responsible parasite control. Youngstock and horse movements both present clear risks when it comes to parasite transmission and anthelmintic resistance.
By providing practical, evidence-based guidance, we hope to support prescribers and horse owners in making decisions that protect both individual horse health and the long-term effectiveness of our wormers. I want to personally thank the contributors for the considerable time, effort and expertise that have gone into developing these new resources.”
Targeted guidance for young horses
Chapter 11 focuses on foals, weanlings, yearlings and youngstock, groups known to be particularly vulnerable to parasitic infection. In addition to their susceptibility to cyathostomins and tapeworms, foals and weanlings are additionally at risk from species such as ascarids that are much less common in adults. At the same time, resistance is already well established in key parasites affecting these age groups in the UK.
The chapter outlines appropriate testing strategies and treatment approaches, recognising that infection pressure can vary widely depending on management, stocking density and even the time of year foals are born. All youngstock are classified as high risk within the CANTER Parasite Risk Profiling Tool, reinforcing the need for tailored, proactive parasite control to support their health and development.
Strengthening biosecurity through quarantine
Chapter 12 highlights the importance of quarantine in reducing the spread of parasites, including resistant populations. Horses moving between yards, or travelling to events, can shed parasite eggs into new environments, increasing infection pressure and potentially introducing resistant worms to previously unaffected grazing.
The Guidelines recommend a minimum quarantine period of 21 days for new arrivals, supported by risk assessment, diagnostic testing and careful review of treatment history where available. They emphasise that while no system can completely eliminate risk, robust quarantine protocols are a vital part of responsible parasite control, alongside wider disease prevention measures.
A collaborative step forward
These chapters reflect extensive discussion and expert consensus, bringing greater depth and practical guidance to a resource that continues to evolve with the needs of the industry.
The CANTER Guidelines are a freely available resource provided to the equine community, designed to support consistent, evidence based approaches across the UK. Vets, SQPs and pharmacists are strongly encouraged to reference and use the Guidelines in their prescribing and advice, and to share them with horse owners and yard managers as part of a coordinated effort to tackle the growing threat of wormer resistance.
Find out more and access the updated Guidelines here:
