Based at Cambridge University, EIDS collects and analyses national disease data from diagnostic laboratories and veterinary practices across the UK. Their work provides valuable insights into the prevalence of equine infectious diseases. In addition to operating various surveillance programs, EIDS offers disease control advice and shares critical disease information through platforms like the International Collating Centre (ICC), EquiFluNet, and the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance Report, a collaborative effort with BEVA, Defra, and APHA.
Historically, large redworm infections—most notably caused by Strongylus vulgaris—have been significantly reduced in the UK due to the widespread use of anthelmintics. However, the overuse of these treatments has led to growing resistance, especially in small redworms (cyathostomes). As a result, there has been a shift towards reducing anthelmintic use and focusing on management-based strategies to control parasitic diseases.
Concerns remain, however, that reduced anthelmintic use could unintentionally alter the patterns of parasite-associated diseases. To address this, EIDS has introduced RedWatch, a targeted surveillance initiative.
RedWatch will collect and disseminate case data on diseases caused by small and large strongyles, including cyathostominosis and Strongylus vulgaris. Veterinary surgeons are encouraged to submit information via an online form, recording:
· Vet and practice details
· Case-specific information
· Diagnostic methods
· Clinical signs observed
· Data about the premises and equine population
· Potential risk factors
All submitted data will be securely stored and anonymised for public reporting. This will support education, awareness, and ongoing research into equine parasitology.
Large strongyles are often only detected during post-mortem examinations (PME) and are likely to be captured mainly through the Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance report’s post-mortem surveillance section. However, RedWatch will allow veterinary surgeons to report large strongyle cases that have not undergone an official PME.
"RedWatch is an exciting step in equine parasitology surveillance," said Fleur Whitlock, veterinary surgeon and epidemiologist at EIDS. "This initiative relies on veterinary surgeons sharing data and their engagement is key to filling knowledge gaps. By contributing case reports, vets can directly support efforts to prevent these devastating diseases and help pave the way for new tools like real-time reporting and risk warnings.”
EIDS is generously funded by the UK’s Thoroughbred industry and is based at Cambridge University.
For more details, download the latest Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance report
https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/resources/reports/dsr20243.pdf
Veterinary surgeons can record cases at
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