Threadworms

These very small worms that live in the small intestine of young foals. Foals can become infected soon after birth usually through the mare's milk, although infection can occur by the larvae penetrating the skin or ingestion from the pasture. The life cycle is very short and foals as young as 4 weeks of age can develop heavy infestations which can damage the intestinal lining causing diarrhoea, loss of appetite and dullness. Affected foals may require veterinary attention and a special worming treatment may be needed. Foals usually develop a natural immunity to infection with this worm by around 6 months of age.