Where to Buy EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits: A Guide for Horse Owners
As a horse owner, ensuring the health and well-being of your equine companion is paramount. One common health issue in horses is tapeworm infestation, which can be challenging to detect through traditional methods like faecal egg counts. The EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit offers a scientifically proven, saliva-based method to accurately diagnose tapeworm burdens in horses. This guide will help you understand where to purchase these kits and how they can benefit your horse's health.
Tapeworms are one of the most elusive parasites in horses, often leaving subtle signs that can easily go unnoticed. While regular use of faecal egg counts helps in identifying other parasitic worms, tapeworms can remain undiscovered due to their unique life cycle. Hence, directed methods like the EquiSal test become essential.
Understanding the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit
Key Components of the Kit
- Saliva Collection Swab: Allows for easy collection of saliva samples from your horse.
- Storage Tube: For storing the collected saliva sample.
- Transparent Bag with Absorbent Pad: Helps in transporting the sample safely.
- Freepost Return Envelope: Conveniently return the sample to the lab for analysis.
- Instructions for Use: Clear guidelines on how to collect and send the sample.
- Free Worming Advice: Many providers offer free worming advice based on the test results.
The EquiSal Tapeworm Test measures tapeworm-specific IgG(T) antibodies in horse saliva, providing a high-accuracy diagnosis of tapeworm burdens. Unlike faecal egg counts, which may not always detect tapeworms due to their shedding patterns, the EquiSal test offers targeted identification.
Where to Buy EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits
Purchase Options
EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits are widely available through various channels:
- Veterinary Practices: Purchase these kits directly from your local veterinary practice, ensuring professional advice is readily available.
- Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Retailers: SQPs are trained professionals who can provide guidance on worm control and sell these kits.
- Online Retailers: Several online stores like Westgate Labs and Feclab Laboratories offer these kits with competitive pricing and convenient delivery options.
Popular Online Retailers
- Westgate Labs: Offers kits for 1-9 horses at £25.50 per horse and for 10+ horses at £24.00 per horse. They include return postage and email results within a week.
- Feclab Laboratories: Provides kits with prepaid return postage and free worming advice if needed. They recommend contacting them for bulk orders.
- Farm Vet Supplies: Though they don’t keep these kits in stock, they can order them as required and offer discounts for bulk purchases.
Benefits of Using EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kits
- Accurate Diagnosis: The kits provide a reliable method to detect tapeworm burdens, which is crucial for targeted worming strategies.
- Cost-Effective: By identifying which horses need treatment, you can avoid unnecessary deworming, saving money and reducing the risk of wormer resistance.
- Regular Monitoring: Recommended to test twice a year, ideally during spring and autumn, to ensure effective worm control.
Tips for Using the EquiSal Tapeworm Test Kit
Ensure your horse has not been dewormed for at least four months before testing to get accurate results. Testing every six months is recommended to monitor tapeworm burdens effectively. Only deworm if the test indicates a need for treatment, and retest three months after treatment if necessary.
