Grassland Management

Grassland management practices are an important element of parasite control. Horses grazing are therefore a higher risk of parasite infection and parasite-associated disease. There are management practices that can help with reducing the parasite levels on pasture. 

• Poo Picking - It is recommended to poo pick twice per week, (CANTER, 2024). My removing feaces from the pasture it reduces the contamination of larvae onto the pasture. In optimum conditions, larvae can migrate and develop in 2-3 days. 

  • Harrowing is not recommended as it can lead to larvae being spread across the field, and temperatures in the UK and Ireland not meeting optimal levels to reduce larave development or activity. 

• Stocking density - Reducing the stocking density will reduce the potential exposure and level of parasitic eggs onto the pasture. It is recommended to graze >2 acres per horse. 

• Cross-grazing - Grazing horses with sheep or cattle can act as “biohoovers” which will “clean” up the pasture by removing larvae and ending the lifecycle. It is important to ensure liver fluke is suitably controlled.