Author: Martin K Nielsen

Pinworms are the leading cause of itchy butt in horses, and that’s about all they do, explains parasitologist Martin Nielsen.

Bot flies don’t land on horses and, strangely, don’t seem to like miniature horses, explains parasitologist Martin Nielsen.

Tapeworms or flatworms are unique from other equine parasites in that they’re hermaphrodites, and they use an intermediate host to complete their journey.

Martin Nielsen describes the bloodworm as the “marinara meat sauce of parasites that doesn’t seem to be the smartest of the bunch”.

Episode 3 of “The Parasite Journey of the Horse” looks at the small strongyle, which has a fascinating lifecycle and some unique features.

In this episode of “The Parasite Journey of the Horse”, Dr Martin Nielsen looks at ascarids, or roundworms. “This is the parasite that looks like pasta, but really isn’t.” And it’s the one parasite where size actually matters.

A new video series on parasites in horses from parasitologist Dr Martin Nielsen kicks off with a look at foal threadworm, Strongyloides westeri.