A tapeworm infestation cannot be detected through a McMaster fecal examination. If so, they are usually incidental findings (visual findings).
To date, evidence has been provided using a combined sedimentation-flotation process.
If a tapeworm was detected in a horse, all existing horses were treated “blindly” as a precautionary measure, regardless of the results of the other horses.

With the new and unique Equisal saliva test, a new approach is being taken here and it ideally complements selective deworming.

How it works?

If a horse is infected with tapeworms, the horse's immune system produces tapeworm-specific antibodies which can be detected in saliva. The amount of antibodies present indicates the severity of an existing tapeworm infection.
The two special laboratory tests for this are called ELISAs and were developed in England by the company Austin Davis Biologics Ltd.

The tests that this test had to go through before approval show:

1 . It can detect almost all tapeworm infections. There were only a few horses with an infection where the test was negative. However, this was because these animals had fewer than 20 tapeworms.

(It should be noted that it is considered certain that more than 20 tapeworms are harmful and there is still no evidence not to treat smaller infestations.)

2. He confidently diagnosed all horses with a harmful (over 20) tapeworm infection.

The tests so far show that around 70% of the horses examined do not need to be treated against tapeworms at all.

When should the Equisal tapeworm test be done?

Firstly, the test should only be carried out on horses that have not received a tapeworm treatment in the last 4 months. Within this period, the antibody level would not have fallen sufficiently and would distort the test result.

An examination twice a year is recommended. Once shortly before the start of winter and once at the start of spring.

Since this test is sent to England and is procedurally more complex, you will receive the result after approx. 12-14 days.