CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly) has launched a new podcast series designed to make its evidence-based guidelines on sustainable equine parasite control, which are aimed at SQPs, vets and pharmacists, more accessible.
With anthelmintic resistance continuing to threaten the effectiveness of parasite control treatments in horses, there has never been a more important time for prescribers to help horse owners adopt sustainable approaches to parasite management.
The CANTER Guidelines were developed by leading experts from across the equine sector to promote sustainable parasite management practices and safeguard the effectiveness of available treatments for the future. The new podcast series, built around each chapter of the Guidelines, aims to support that goal by making the guidance easier to access and engage with.
The series is being released in stages, starting with the first three episodes released last week, focusing on Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the CANTER Guidelines. Each episode explores the guidance through discussion and commentary from some of the chapter authors, enabling listeners to engage with the content while travelling, working around the yard or fitting learning into their busy schedules.
The podcasts are intended to complement, not replace, the written Guidelines, offering an additional way for prescribers to access and absorb key information that supports responsible parasite control and helps tackle the growing challenge of anthelmintic resistance.
The first three podcast episodes cover fundamental principles of sustainable parasite control:
Chapter 1: Assessing the need for anthelmintic use explores why treatments should only be administered when necessary. It highlights the importance of understanding parasite lifecycles, carrying out risk assessments and using monitoring tools to inform treatment decisions, rather than relying on routine blanket dosing.
Chapter 2: Selecting and using anthelmintics appropriately focuses on choosing the right product based on individual risk assessment and current resistance patterns. It also emphasises the importance of using treatments correctly to maximise effectiveness and help reduce the development of resistance.
Chapter 3: Recording treatment decisions examines the value of maintaining accurate records of treatments and test results, helping prescribers and horse owners make informed decisions about future parasite control strategies.
Julia Shrubb, chair of CANTER, said: “The CANTER Guidelines are an important resource for everyone involved in equine health and parasite control. By introducing a specific guidelines podcast series, we hope to make this information even more accessible and provide another way for prescribers to engage with the guidance.
“The more widely these principles are understood and adopted, the better placed we will be to protect horse health and preserve the effectiveness of anthelmintics for future generations.”
Ms Shrubb continued: “Anthelmintic resistance is one of the greatest challenges facing equine health and welfare now and in the future. If we are to protect the effectiveness of the medicines we currently have available to us, every treatment decision matters. These podcasts provide another way for vets, SQPs and others involved in equine care to engage with the guidance and understand the role they can play in safeguarding horse health.
“We hope they encourage more people to explore the CANTER Guidelines to put the key principles into practice, because tackling resistance requires action from all of us.”
Further podcast episodes covering the remaining chapters of the CANTER Guidelines will be released on a rolling basis over the coming months.
CANTER is encouraging all veterinary professionals and SQPs to explore the Guidelines and podcast series and consider how they can help horse owners and keepers improve their parasite management practices to help slow the development of anthelmintic resistance.
