Project <scp>WORMS</scp> (working to overcome resistance and make for a sustainable future): Stud owner and manager survey. Part 1: Prevalence of parasite‐associated disease and management practices on farms

Summary Background Youngstock are susceptible to parasitic disease, and the development of anthelmintic resistance is increasing. Objectives To investigate stud owners'/managers' perceived prevalence of parasite‐associated diseases and current management approaches to control parasites in UK studs. Study Design A cross‐sectional study by an online survey. Methods SurveyMonkey questionnaires (multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions) distributed via practices, press, social media and snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in Microsoft Excel and STATA , and statistical differences were assessed with Fisher's exact test, Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results Fifty‐six usable responses were collated. The median number of foals born per farm per year was 9, and the median number of resident mares/permanent boarders was 14. The predominant breeds were Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. Perceived parasite‐associated illness in the past year was reported by 35.7% of respondents (weight loss (65.0%), diarrhoea (40.0%), colic (15.0%)), with young adults (1–3 years) most affected (47.7%), followed by adults (31.8%), weanlings (27.3%) and foals (20.5%). New mares were reportedly only turned out after anthelmintic administration by 53.6% of respondents, whilst 41.1% performed faecal egg counts and treated, if necessary, prior to turnout and 16.1% turned mares out without treating or testing. The median stocking density was 0.3 mares/acre (significantly lower for Thoroughbreds than Warmbloods or ‘others’ ( p &lt; 0.01)). Poo‐picking was never performed on 32.1% of farms, while 89.3% harrowed paddocks and 57.1% co‐grazed horses with ruminants. Main Limitations Small sample size and the potential for selection and response biases. Conclusions Parasite‐associated diseases on stud farms are perceived to be common. Many farms fail to implement management practices (e.g. poo‐picking, co‐grazing with ruminants) that could reduce the risk of parasite transmission on the premises. Harrowing paddocks could increase the risks of parasite transmission. Results identify areas where management practices should be improved.