Pinworm

Pinworms can affect horses of any age, they are small, white round worms which live in the large intestine and around the anus. The females can be up to 10cm long and lay their yellow, sticky eggs on the skin around the outside of the anus.This causes intense irritation. Horses become infected by swallowing the eggs that are rubbed off in the stable or onto pasture.

Signs include rubbing and biting at the tail base. It is essential that separate sponges are used to clean the dock and head areas.