Parasite control in horses is also based primarily on a chemotherapeutic approach, i.e. the use of effective drugs. However, it is important not to rely exclusively on drugs because there are some effective management practices that are useful in limiting the build-up of pasture populations of infective larvae. Avoid overcrowding of horses on pastures - leads to high concentrations of fecal deposits and therefore increased pasture contamination with L3's. Manual removal of feces - very useful but labor intensive. Composting of feces - high temps kill eggs and larvae.
Harrow pastures to break up feces and expose larvae to the elements.
Periodically plough and re-seed Mixed grazing with cattle and sheep. This works because cross transmission between ruminants and horses is limited to one species, T. axei. However, intensive use of mixed grazing may preferentially select out T. axei on a pasture and cause it to be a problem on all grazing host species. While these management and sanitation measures are very useful the ubiquitous nature of the major internal parasites of horses, particularly the strongyles, necessitates that drugs play an important part in any parasite control program for horses. Include all horses in a program.