Westgate Labs

13/03/2026

🦠 💊 Stark warnings for horse owners on antibiotic and antiparasitic resistance discussed at the NaNational Equine ForumA timely reminder to keep up testing and poo pick as much as possible to buy ourselves time and protect our horse’s health.

Action must be taken as we ‘stand on a precipice’ in horse and human health. Read more below

11/03/2026

💭 “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁?” It's a common question and the short answer is, not all horses carry the same worm burden. Even under identical management, around 80% of worms are usually found in just 20% of horses.

🐛 All horses have parasites, but some horses are naturally more resistant than others. Genetics, breed, age and exposure can all influence individual parasite risk.

🔬 That's why a worm egg count for every horse helps you avoid unnecessary worming, reduce the risk of resistance and only treat when it's actually needed. Those that sadly still blanket worm every horse, will find that most wouldn't have needed treatment at all ‍💸

🌱 Want to know if your horse needs worming this season? Buy a test kit today and make parasite control decisions based on evidence, not guesswork 👉 bit.ly/Westgate-Shop-All

09/03/2026

🤔💩🐛 A few customers are seeing pinworm in dung this season, but it can sometimes be tricky to identify between pinworm and roundworm. Pinworm are small white worms with a pointy end, usually around 5cm (2 inches) in length. Roundworm tend to be much bigger, creamy white in colour and more the shape of a common earthworm.

While not a direct threat to horse health and unlikely to cause serious illness, pinworm can cause significant irritation for some horses, a literal pain in the bum and tricky to get rid of.

For more info and how to test and treat 👉 bit.ly/Pinworm

06/03/2026

📅🌻 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁? If it was in January or before, then now is the time for your Spring worm egg count!

This Spring follow three simple steps 👉 Risk Assess, Test, Manage.

✅ Risk assess every horse
🔬 Worm egg count for redworm and ascarids
💦 EquiSal saliva test for tapeworm if not done in the last six months
🌱 Manage dung removal, grazing, treatments and biosecurity
🐛 Watch out for pinworm
🌷 Plan carefully for foaling mares

🐴🐛 Everything your horse needs to stay on top of testing for a whole year, is included in our 4Count Season Packs, which can also be split for multiple horses.

For seasonal advice and to shop tests 👉 bit.ly/SpringParasiteControl

05/03/2026

🩸🐛 Large redworm (Strongylus species), also known as bloodworms, are dangerous equine parasites that can cause severe damage within the horse's intestines and blood vessels. Because of the severe effects of infection associated with the larval migration in the horse, early detection is critical to avoid life-threatening complications.

🔬 Is your horse at risk? Westgate Labs offers larval culturing as a testing service for all equines and annual testing is recommended.

Learn more about this parasite 👉 bit.ly/Large-Redworm-Parasite

04/03/2026

🐛💊 It’s not too late! There’s still time to test or treat to deal with any encysted small redworm, that could be harbouring in the gut wall. Act before the onset of warmer temperatures this Spring and a mass emergence, dangerous to horse health ⏳

03/03/2026

🔍🌱 This spring, look beyond the test result and see the bigger picture of parasite control. Start with Risk Assessing, continue with regular Testing, and succeed through good Management.

➡️ Swipe through to discover the elements that work together to reduce risk, reinfection pressure, minimise unnecessary worming and support long term horse health.

⭐ Our friendly, expert team can help customers risk assess, test and sense check management, so every horse has a parasite control programme set up for success.

🧩 Testing alone is not enough 👉 bit.ly/Fresh-Perspective-Parasite-Control

01/03/2026

👌 It’s not just the test results but the advice that counts! Our friendly team can help you to risk assess your horse, design a test based plan and discuss management to get your parasite control programme on point for the year ahead. It’s been lovely to chat to so many happy customers who say we take the worry out of worm control for them. 🙏

Worm egg counts, and tests form the basis of a plan. You can purchase them individually, as season packs and on subscription or we have a commercial rate for yards of 10 or more. Get in touch if we can help!

01/03/2026

🌱 Spring into a new perspective on parasite control! Testing is the foundation, but it's only the start. Spring is a particularly important time to focus on management, as increased grazing and favourable weather conditions allow parasites to thrive. Making small, practical changes during this period can significantly reduce infection pressure throughout the year.

🏆 The best worm control comes from combining testing with good management of horses, grazing and their environment.

This Spring follow three simple steps 👉 Risk Assess. Test. Manage.

✅ Risk assess every horse
🔬 Worm egg count for redworm and ascarids
💦 EquiSal saliva test for tapeworm if not done in the last six months
🌱 Manage dung removal, grazing, treatments and biosecurity
🐛 Watch out for pinworm
🌷 Plan carefully for foaling mares

Smart risk assessment, evidence based testing and thoughtful management can reduce reinfection and avoid unnecessary worming.

Learn more and shop tests 👉 bit.ly/SpringParasiteControl

⚠️ Important. If you have not tested or treated a medium or high risk horse for encysted small redworm over winter, please seek advice from your prescriber now.

28/02/2026

🛍️ 💩 Our first customers of the day from Lunar Eclipse Therapy Horses have come to pick up their worm egg counts ! Come and see us on stand G41 for our show offers. Ask your wormy questions, assess your horse’s parasite risk and take part in our fun trail. Follow the poo and solve the clues for a lucky dip gift!