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Hookworms in horses

True hookworms aren't a major equine parasite — but horses face closely related blood-feeding and intestinal worms that matter just as much.

The species involved

Classic hookworms (Ancylostoma) are uncommon in horses. The parasites that dominate equine gut health are the strongyles — large strongyles and the small strongyles (cyathostomins) — along with ascarids (Parascaris) in foals. Strongyloides westeri can also pass to foals through the mare's milk, much as canine hookworms do.

How horses get infected

  • Grazing larvae off contaminated pasture
  • Larvae picked up from soil and bedding
  • Strongyloides passing to foals via the mare's milk

Signs to watch for

Weight loss or poor condition, a rough coat, diarrhea, and in heavy strongyle burdens, colic. Foals are most affected by milk-borne and ascarid infections.

See the full symptom guide

Treatment & control

Fenbendazole is a mainstay of equine deworming and is effective against many of these nematodes; rotation and fecal egg counts guide modern programs to slow resistance. Work with your vet on a strategic schedule rather than blanket deworming.

Confirm with your vet. Species, age and weight all change the right product and dose. Use this guide to understand the problem, then let your veterinarian tailor the plan.

The right dewormer for horses

Primacur's broad-spectrum fenbendazole suspension is formulated for dogs, cats, horses and livestock.

Shop Primacur dewormer at HorsePreRace
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