SCOTLAND'S Moredun Research Institute has received new funding from the Horse Trust to complete the development of a blood test for the detection of cyathostomins – small redworms – in horses.

Moredun, known internationally for their research on the infectious diseases of livestock, will also use the new funding to investigate a saliva-based adaptation of the test.

Small redworm infections are extremely common. Horses with many immature worms (larvae) in their guts can develop severe colitis, which can be fatal. Moxidectin is the only de-wormer that has high anti-larval efficacy, but for which resistance is not yet widespread.

To protect the effectiveness of this de-wormer, targeted treatment programmes are required – but direct methods for the detection of all stages of small redworm do not exist.

In this collaborative project, Professor Jacqui Matthews from Moredun will work with Austin Davis Biologics and Professor Martin Nielsen at the Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky.

Professor Matthews commented: “We are delighted to have received this funding; the future availability of these tests will revolutionise the way in which veterinarians approach small redworm control in horses.”