BEVA expands ProtectMEtoo Toolkit to combat rising equine anthelmintic resistance

The British Equine Veterinary Association has enhanced its ProtectMEtoo Toolkit with new guidance to help vets and horse owners tackle the growing challenge of anthelmintic resistance, emphasising targeted parasite control and sustainable practices.

The British Equine Veterinary Association has expanded its ProtectMEtoo Toolkit with new advice aimed at helping vets and horse owners identify and manage anthelmintic resistance, a problem that is becoming harder to ignore across the equine sector.

Launched at BEVA Congress during parasite management sessions, the new section was developed by the association’s Anthelmintic Working Group, led by Nicky Housby-Skeggs, and sets out practical steps for monitoring treatment failure, interpreting faecal egg count reduction tests and responding when resistance is confirmed.

BEVA says the toolkit is intended to support veterinary-led, evidence-based parasite control and should be used alongside clinical judgement. Its wider principles promote targeted treatment, pasture hygiene, grazing management and routine faecal egg counts, rather than blanket worming programmes.

According to BEVA’s guidance, monitoring should be carried out at least annually, because early detection can help slow the spread of resistance and preserve the drugs still available. The association also stresses that refugia , parasites not exposed to treatment , remain important in reducing selection pressure.

The toolkit warns there are no new classes of equine anthelmintics in development, raising the stakes for responsible use. BEVA says the updated resource is designed not only to protect horse health, but also to address environmental concerns linked to parasite treatments.