Worming is an important part of caring for horses to keep them healthy
A major worm burden can cause serious damage and can even be life threatening, however the right type of treatment and a targeted approach is essential and must be based on accurate information about your horse – seeking advice from an SQP is the best way to achieve this.
What is an SQP?
AMTRA, the professional regulator for SQPs, describes Suitably Qualified Persons as an animal medicines advisor. This is a legal category of professionally qualified persons who are entitled to prescribe and/or supply certain veterinary medicines under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. They have undertaken relevant training and exams, and are subject to disciplinary procedures – they must provide an ongoing commitment to act responsibly when advising owners on the safe and effective use of medicines.
Why use an SQP?
In the wild, horses would roam over thousands of acres with constant access to clean grazing land, and so worms evolved with horses to maintain a healthy balance. However, domesticated horses tend to have limited access to clean pasture, which exposes them to worm reinfection. Breaking the parasitic lifecycle is essential to reduce this, but we all know how complicated worming strategies can seem, with no single or simple solution to the problem.
For this reason, a worm control plan should be tailored to individuals circumstances with the aims of reducing contamination of pasture and keeping the burden low enough to prevent disease. An SQP is responsible for abiding by a Code of Practice every time they prescribe a medicine, and must take into account the responsible use of medicines to ensure they remain effective. It is their duty to advise animal owners on choice of medicine and their safe and effective use, as well as other strategies to contribute to the health and welfare of their animals.
All SQPs are required by law to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that has been accredited by AMTRA to ensure they stay up to date. This gives you confidence that your advisor receives ongoing training to be able to prescribe the most appropriate medicine for your animal, if any, based on the information you provide.
Our SQP’s
We have 10 SQP’s across our 3 sites to ensure there is almost always someone able to advise you on wormers whether it be for dogs, cats, horses or chickens, 7 days a week. For those of you requiring wormers for horses, join the Speedgate Parasite Control Programme for our handy reminder service, and to receive 10% off every 3rd wormer.