Smarter approach gives retailers extra sales opportunities.
An equine parasite control company is calling on riders and yard managers to take a smarter approach to worming this Spring.
Westgate Labs’ latest campaign Every Horse Needs a Worm Egg Count urges owners to test horses to ensure they receive the right treatment at the right time.
Retailers can benefit from this approach, too. Even if they don’t have staff qualified to prescribe wormers, stores can sell worm egg count kits.
“Routine worming without testing is an outdated practice that can lead to parasite resistance, a growing concern in equine healthcare,” says Sarah Mitchinson, operations director at Westgate Labs.
“By carrying out worm egg counts (WECs) and strategic testing, owners can reduce unnecessary treatments, improve horse health and help protect the future efficacy of wormers.”
Westgate Labs offers a postal laboratory service for WECs with reliable, rapid results and guidance on whether treatment is necessary.
“Many horse owners are surprised to learn that up to 80% of horses have low worm egg counts and don’t need worming at all,” adds Sarah.
What’s in it for retailers?
Westgate Labs makes it easy for tackshops and merchants to offer a worm count service to their customers. Businesses can either stock ready-made retail kits or provide a merchant service with own-branded packs.
There is no need to be registered with AMTRA [the regulatory body] to sell these products and results are returned directly to the customer.
Westgate Labs has free educational resources for SQPs/RAMAs [the people qualified to prescribe wormers] and merchants to download from their website.
