Risk Analysis TOOL

Risk Analysis Classification:

Horses at Low Risk: 

• Consistently low faecal egg counts 

• Are between 5-15 years old 

• Not co-grazing with youngstock 

• Live in a closed herd with good pasture management 

• Low stocking density 

• No history of colic or parasite-related disease 

• Good quarantine practices 

• Manure is removed from paddocks more than twice per week 

Horses at Moderate Risk: 

• Over 15 years old 

• Low-moderate faecal egg counts 

• Moderate pasture management 

• Occasional movement of stock 

• Medium stocking density 

• Sporadic manure removal 

Horses at High Risk: 

• Less than 5 years old 

• High faecal egg counts 

• Poor pasture management 

• Frequent stock movement 

• High stocking density 

• Grazing with youngstock 

• No effective quarantine of new arrivals 

• History of colic or parasitic disease 

• Resistance identified on property through FECRTs 

Cut-offs greater than 200-300 eggs per gram (epg) on faecal egg counts were previously used to indicate when worming is required. However, a recent paper indicated that in low-risk horses, a cut-off greater than 500 epg may be appropriate.