Health
EPG test for horses — when and how to deworm smartly?
Routine blanket deworming is outdated. With EPG tests (eggs per gram), you only deworm when it's truly necessary — preventing resistance and saving money.
Published: 4/1/2026
EquiSight Editorial
Redactie · EquiSight · SaFleu Equestrian Centre BV
What is EPG?
EPG measures how many worm eggs your horse is shedding via a manure sample. A laboratory counts them and returns a value.
Threshold values
- Below 200 EPG — low, no deworming needed
- 200–500 EPG — consider, based on age and risk
- Above 500 EPG — deworming recommended
Which worm species and when?
- Spring: small strongyles
- Autumn: tapeworm (additional product required)
- Winter: usually a rest period
Preventing resistance
By only deworming horses with high EPG counts, you prevent the worm population from developing resistance to treatments. At stable level, this has an enormous impact.