New CANTER Guidelines Launched for Sustainable Equine Parasite Control

One of CANTER’s primary goals has been to produce a set of guidelines for sustainable parasite control strategies to address wormer resistance. We are delighted to let you know that the long-awaited CANTER guidelines were published 3rd October 2024! This extensive free resource is aimed at prescribers of equine wormers, offering key principles for responsible parasite control in equines to address the rising problem of resistance.

The CANTER Guidelines for the sustainable use of anthelmintics (parasite control drugs) in horses were formally introduced on Thursday 3^rd October 2024 at the International Equine Infectious Disease Conference in Deauville, France. CANTER Chair, Dr Alison Pyatt presented the Guidelines alongside those from six other organisations from around the world.

It was indicated as a seminal moment in equine parasitology to have such wide-reaching representation within the same round table session. The meeting was lauded as an opportunity to highlight the urgency of the global anthelmintic resistance problem and to collaborate on best practice approaches.  A key theme was the need for consistency in messaging to give clarity to horse owners.

Commenting on the launch of the UK CANTER Guidelines, Dr Alison Pyatt commented:

“It is such a privilege to Chair the CANTER group and now to share the prescriber facing guidelines. This pan-industry group, representative of the UK equine sector, is the first of its kind to promote a consistency in approach across prescriber groups. Thanks are extended to all CANTER contributors who have worked so hard on the development of this crucial document.”

The audience welcomed the responses from all countries in their endeavours to encourage sustainable use of anthelmintics and address the concerns around horse welfare.

The session was chaired by Professor Martin Nielsen and representatives from Australia, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark and ESCCAP (the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites, which itself is represented in 19 different countries) presented their guidelines.

Where many yard owners and responsible for the worming regimes of the equines in their care, and with some being qualified SQP’s themselves, or working closely with SQP’ and prescribers, this can help give a great understanding of the use of these drugs.

Read the CANTER guidelines here.

Download assets to support the launch here.

These guidelines were developed and written by the CANTER Guidelines Working Group and endorsed by the CANTER Core Steering Group in 2024. The guidelines will be subject to revision as further research and evidence become available.

You can find this guidance, and other information on all aspects of Parasite control from Canter and Westgate Labs, on the dedicated Worming and Parasite Control section of the Yard Owner Hub