Following on from the recent survey, The University of Liverpool are now appealing for stud farm owner/managers to take part in focus groups (either online or in person) on the control and management of ascarids (large roundworms) in foals and young horses.
Ascarid worms primarily infect animals less than one year of age. Outside of the UK, there are widespread reports of drug resistance amongst these worms to many of the licensed deworming products. It is now more urgent than ever that we understand if these drugs are working on UK studs.
Our focus groups aim to bring together small numbers of stud owners or managers to share their experiences on how they currently manage and control ascarid infection in affected age groups. Everything shared during the focus groups will be kept private and confidential. Any names or personal information that could identify you or your stud farm would not be shared outside of the research team.
Focus groups aim to cover three main areas:
· Current experiences of managing parasite infections in foals and weanlings.
· The components of “ideal” parasite management in this age group and potential barriers to implementing them.
· Theoretical scenarios to discuss how we might manage drug resistant ascarid populations on UK stud farms.
All focus groups will end with a Q and A session where participants are free to discuss any aspect of what we have covered with the session facilitator Nichola Steel (equine veterinary surgeon and PhD student)
“In person” focus groups are kindly being hosted by Twemlows Stud Farm, Whitchurch, Shropshire. The study is funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
· In Person: Saturday 22nd November 11.30 -1pm at Twemlows Stud Farm, Whitchurch, Shropshire
· Online: Tuesday 25th November 1 - 2.30pm
· Online: Thursday 27th November 7-8.30pm
For more information about taking part with no obligation or to register your interest please contact Nichola Steel @ nicsteel@liverpool.ac.uk
Your contribution will help to safeguard horse welfare for future generations of foals
