caused by redworm parasites in UK equines
The Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) team have launched a new tool to monitor cases of disease caused by redworm parasites in UK horses. The surveillance initiative has been introduced in response to specific concerns raised by the equine industry regarding the potential unintended consequences of reduced anthelmintic use. While a more targeted approach to worming is imperative to slow wormer resistance, this also has potential to change patterns of parasite-associated clinical disease. RedWatch has been introduced to gather essential case data on small and large strongyles* (cyathostominosis and Strongylus vulgaris) disease occurrences in the UK. Data is captured from veterinary surgeons, through an online form.
“RedWatch is an exciting step in equine parasitology surveillance,” said Fleur Whitlock, veterinary surgeon and epidemiologist at EIDS. “This initiative relies on veterinary surgeons sharing data and their engagement is key to filling knowledge gaps. By contributing case reports, vets can directly support efforts to prevent these devastating diseases and help pave the way for new tools like real-time reporting and risk warnings, similar to those used by SCOPS for sheep.”
* Large strongyles are sometimes detected during post-mortem examinations (PME) and are expected to be mainly captured through the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance report’s post-mortem surveillance section. RedWatch will allow veterinary surgeons to also report large strongyle cases that may not undergo official PME.
How to report a case
If you are a vet that has recently seen a case of small or large redworm disease in the UK, please log the case on EIDS’s surveillance website, RedWatch:
www.equinesurveillance.org/redwatch
Key data collected includes vet and case details, diagnostic methods and clinical signs, premises’ population data and potential risk factors. All data are securely stored and anonymised for public sharing, supporting education, awareness and research.
How will the data be used?
- To address concerns regarding changes in parasite-associated disease occurrences and prevalence, potentially linked to reduced anthelmintic use or increasing anthelmintic resistance.
- To enable real-time reporting, facilitating prompt case sharing for better awareness.
- To drive research, enabling data-driven insights into disease risks and prevention strategies.