The updated CANTER guidelines for equestrian worming have now been released, providing horse owners and equine professionals with the latest evidence-based advice on parasite control.
What Are the CANTER Guidelines?
CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly) is a collaborative, industry-led group made up of experts from across the equestrian sector. The group works together to tackle one of the most significant challenges facing equine health and welfare in the UK: anthelmintic (wormer) resistance.
Anthelmintic resistance occurs when wormers become less effective over time due to overuse or inappropriate use. This threatens the long-term health of horses and the effectiveness of the medicines we rely on to control parasites.
The revised CANTER guidelines bring together the latest research, expert consensus and practical advice to help protect the effectiveness of wormers for the future 🐴
How Do the Guidelines Support Horse and Yard Owners?
These free, evidence-based guidelines are designed to support a strategic, risk-based approach to parasite control, rather than routine or ad hoc worming.
For horse owners and yard managers, this means:
-
Moving away from blanket, calendar-based worming
-
Using diagnostic testing (such as faecal egg counts) to inform treatment decisions
-
Reducing unnecessary wormer use
-
Protecting horse health while safeguarding the effectiveness of available treatments
By following a targeted approach, yards can improve biosecurity, reduce costs associated with unnecessary treatments, and play a vital role in slowing the development of resistance.
Why This Matters
Many in the equestrian community are already aware that wormer resistance is increasing. However, without coordinated action, the effectiveness of current treatments could be significantly reduced in the future.
The updated CANTER guidelines provide clear, practical steps to help the industry work together responsibly and sustainably
Where to Find More Information
You can access the full updated CANTER guidelines via the official CANTER website.
The links are also available in the Worming and Parasite Control section of the Yard Owner Hub, making it easy for yard owners and managers to find the resources they need in one place.
Taking a proactive, informed approach to parasite control today will help protect equine health for years to come.