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Learning Zone

EquiSal Tapeworm Testing

Targeted Worming Ireland is a proud stockist of the EquiSal Tapeworm Test developed by Austin Davis Biologics. This can be completed by an owner at home in less than 5 minutes and gives you peace of mind that you are monitoring tapeworm exposure in your horses. The EquiSal test is a simple swab in the mouth to collect a saliva sample which is then processed by Austin Davis Biologics in the UK. We facilitate this to allow owners to combine results with our inhouse worm egg counts to have a comprehensive monitoring programme in place. We provide support and individual advice along with test results.

  • Full instructions are included in the kit.

  • Each kit contains a swab which is inserted into the interdental space in the mouth (where the bit would normally sit).

  • Rest the swab there while the horse moves their tongue underneath.

  • Normally, swabbing only takes a minute for the colour indicator to change to bright pink, which signals there is enough saliva collected. (The swab may need to be reinserted if the colour indicator fails to change colour).

  • Once finished sampling, place the swab into the tube which contains preservative fluid. *Be careful not to spill the fluid or you will need to purchase a new kit*. The sample is stable for a minimum of three weeks at room temperature once kept in the fluid.

  • Add the label with your barcode and horse's name onto the tube before sending and include the top portion of the form with the sample.

  • Place the tube into the transport bag with the absorbent pad.​​​

  • All EquiSals from the EU are shipped to the lab via the IEC (address on top of Equisal form) so please send swabs directly. Worm egg counts are sent back to Targeted Worming Ireland at V42 TY01.

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There is a video available from Austin Davis Biologics here: 

Understanding EquiSAl Results 

For each sample submitted you will be provided with a Tapeworm Diagnosis, Tapeworm Saliva Score and whether tapeworm treatment is recommended by the lab. 

 Per Austin Davis Biologics : 

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  • EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Score: < -0.09, Tapeworm diagnosis: Low, Tapeworm treatment recommended: No.

  • EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Score: -0.09 to 0.6, Tapeworm diagnosis: Borderline, Tapeworm treatment recommended: Yes

  • EquiSal Tapeworm Saliva Score: > 0.6, Tapeworm diagnosis: Moderate/High, Tapeworm treatment recommended: Yes

Wormer must be chosen carefully to ensure they target tapeworm and owners must ensure the correct dose is administered per the horse's body weight.

A re-test at 3 months post-treatment is recommended. Repeat positive results suggest continued tapeworm reinfection and land management strategies must be reviewed and improved where possible. 

All horses sharing grazing areas should undergo the EquiSal Tapeworm test to determine if they are contributing to the ongoing contamination of tapeworm eggs onto the paddock. We recommend that horses are tested routinely every 6 months for tapeworm. Please note that these test results do not give any information as to the presence or otherwise of any other worm species other than horse tapeworm. For a link to a seasonal worm control programme suitable for adult horses in the UK,See https://www.equisal.co/diagnostic-ledwormcontrol Paddock maintenance is essential for control of worm burdens in horses. We encourage horse owners to carry out frequent poo picking of their paddocks for best results. Please feel free to contact us if you wish to discuss any aspect of these results

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