Doing the Right Thing

Presented by: Nicky Housby‑Skeggs, Richard Newton, Clare Shand, and Nic de Brauwere

HORIBA, in partnership with Vetpol, the VMD-approved regulator of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) presents a CPD webinar focused on improving equine health through best practice, expert insight and evidence-based care.

This educational session explores two key aspects of horse health: endoparasite management and infectious diseases. Bringing together independent experts from veterinary care, education, welfare and diagnostics, the webinar examines current challenges, best practice approaches and evidence-based strategies to support informed decision making and improved equine welfare.

Through four expert presentations, viewers will gain practical insights into parasite control, disease prevention and the latest developments in equine health management.

Youngstock Worming - Nicky Housby‑Skeggs, The Horse Trust

In this session, Nicky explores modern approaches to equine worming and parasite control in foals, weanlings, yearlings and young horses. The session reviews the most important parasites affecting youngstock in the UK, including Parascaris equorum (ascarids), cyathostomins (small redworms), tapeworms and Strongyloides westeri, and discusses how parasite risks change with age. Nicky examines current guidance on targeted worming programmes, diagnostic testing and pasture management, helping veterinary professionals make informed, evidence-based decisions. The session also explores the benefits and limitations of faecal egg counts, including interpretation thresholds, treatment considerations and when clinical signs may indicate the need for referral. Practical advice on pasture hygiene and integrated parasite control is included, alongside insights into the development and application of the CANTER guidelines.

The Right Test At The Right Time – Richard Newton, Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS)

In this session, Richard explores how Streptococcus equi (S. equi) causes strangles, the dynamics of infection and disease transmission, and the practical diagnostic approaches available to veterinarians at each stage of the infection. Learn when and how to use serology testing, reference laboratory PCR, culture and molecular point-of-care diagnostic technologies to improve detection throughout the different stages of infection. The session also covers the role of testing in outbreak management, interpretation of results, identification and treatment of carrier horses, and the implementation of the R-A-G (Red-Amber-Green) system to support informed decision-making. In addition, Richard discusses the importance of combining modern diagnostics with vaccination and targeted biosecurity measures in reducing disease spread and strengthening long-term prevention strategies.

Faecal Egg Count: How to Take a Correct Sample – Clare Shand, Westgate Labs

The session examines parasite lifecycles, the importance of preventing egg shedding and the factors influencing parasite transmission and wormer resistance. Claire explains what faecal egg counts are used for, when to test, when treatment may be appropriate and the limitations of WECs in equine parasite management. Best practice is provided on collecting, handling and posting samples, including considerations for larger yards, alongside an overview of faecal egg count methodologies with a particular focus on the McMaster method, widely used in the UK. The presentation also explores how to assess a horse's individual parasite risk profile, develop strategic testing programmes and communicate the value of test-led approaches to horse owners, supporting improved equine health, welfare and sustainable parasite control.

Steering clear of strangles while enjoying life with your horse - Nic de Brauwere, Redwings Horse Sanctuary

In the last session, Nic explains what strangles is, how it spreads, how to recognise the signs, and the latest approaches to diagnosis, testing and outbreak management. The session also explores strangles carriers, routine temperature monitoring, testing for screening or diagnosis, and the role of biosecurity in preventing disease transmission. Drawing on the BEST principles, Nic shares practical guidance for reducing strangles risk at home, on the yard and at equestrian events, while continuing to enjoy everyday horse ownership. Viewers will also learn about UK outbreak tracking tools and how to turn knowledge into effective disease prevention strategies.

 Duration: 176 Minutes