Which wormers contain Moxidectin ?
Why is moxidectin so important?
Is Moxidectin used against encysted redworm?
Only a few UK horse wormers contain moxidectin, so let’s run through the (very) short list.
If you are interested in understanding Moxidectin there is a good chance you are researching or concerned with the encysted larval stages of small red worms (aka Cyathostomins and larval Cyathostominosis). Moxidectin is one of the few wormers licensed to control these important encysted stages so it’s vital we utilise it appropriately.
Also worth noting is that moxidectin is the only active ingredient licensed to treat encysted small redworm in a single dose; it acts against the encysted stages before they have a chance to emerge from the gut wall. The other active which will control the encysted stage is Fenbendazole, but it is worth noting that Fenbendazole-containing products are administered daily, usually for 5 consecutive days
So, as of April 2023 UK horse owners have the following moxidectin-containing products to choose from:
| Product Name | Active Ingredient (s) | Marketing Authorisation Holder |
| Equest Oral Gel, 18.92 mg/g, oral gel for horses and ponies | Moxidectin | Zoetis UK |
| Equest Pramox 19.5 mg/g + 121.7 mg/g oral gel | Moxidectin & Praziquantel | Zoetis UK |
| MoxiSolv 18.92 mg/g Oral Gel for Horses and Ponies | Moxidectin | Bimeda Animal Health, Ireland |
The two Equest products are often called Equest “green” for Equest Oral Gel and the combination product called Equest “blue” for Equest Pramox.
The Moxisolv ® Oral gel from Bimeda Animal Health is a newly registered product in the UK with the Date of First Authorisation being 24 January 2023- this generic moxidectin product somewhat breaks the Equest ® monopoly.
The usual treatment window for encysted small redworm is “winter”, and this is usually considered between December and February. We should look to use other chemical classes during the other periods of the year.
Moxidectin Dosage
In all the products noted above the dosage rate is identical:
- For oral use only.
- A single dose of 400 µg moxidectin/kg bodyweight should be administered using the calibrated syringe.
- Single syringes will treat a 700 kg horse
However, always refer to the product label, SPC and check with your SQP/RAMA or Vet if you are unclear.
You should always accurately determine the weight of your horses before calculating the amount required.
Using Equest (Moxidectin) in Donkeys ?
Equest, Equest Pramox and Moxisolv are not licensed for use in donkeys (horse and ponies only). These products may be safe but you would need a written prescription from your vet to purchase it from us and use it “off label”.
So for donkeys, the recommendation to control the encysted redworm stage is Panacur Equine Granules 22.2% or Panacur Equine Guard, both as a 5-day treatment. Both of the Panacur products are licensed for use in donkeys; the only difference being that Panacur Equine Granules are granules should be sprinkled onto concentrate or grain feed whilst Panacur Equine Guard is a solution to be administered by mixing with grain or concentrate feed.
Test before Treating
In most cases, the recommendation is always to test before treating and employ a testing-led parasite control program. If you need assistance with designing this please get in touch with us
Faecal Worm egg counts (FWEC) are a reliable tool to detect adult egg laying stages of small and large redworm as well as roundworm. They should be used regularly, every three months throughout the year, to test for infection levels and target treatment if required.
A FWEC won’t distinguish between large and small redworm eggs but as the treatment is the same for both parasites this is not problematic.
A FWEC will not detect encysted stages of small redworm as the larvae do not lay eggs. There is a small redworm blood test (ELISA-based) available- you will need your vet to assist with this to take an appropriate blood sample.
Combination Product
If you are looking to treat both encysted redworm and control Tapeworm then Equest Pramox is the product of choice with both Moxidectin and Praziquantel in a single dose.
Remember you should test for tapeworm using the EquiSal test at approximately 6m intervals.
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