Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVM, Schlaikjer professor of Equine Infectious Disease at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, just wrapped up a new lesson-style video series on equine parasitology. The series was released with weekly episodes during the global COVID pandemic lock-down.

“I wanted to try a new format of science communication,” Nielsen said. “I tried to make the videos informative and educational, but also entertaining and light-hearted.”

The videos have been well received on Facebook with 50-200 shares per video and more than 60,000 views. The Gluck Equine Research Center Facebook page even gained a couple thousand followers during the campaign.

“The videos are quick to shoot with a smartphone and subsequently edit, and I think I found a good format. I definitely feel encouraged to create another series at a later stage,” Nielsen said.

The series consisted of approximately 15-30 minute videos dedicated to one equine parasite each. The series covered threadworms, ascarids, small strongyles, bloodworms, tapeworms, bots and pinworms.

• Episode 1, Strongyloides westeri
• Episode 2, Ascarids
• Episode 3, Small Strongyles
• Episode 4, Bloodworms
• Episode 5, Tapeworms
• Episode 6, Bots
• Episode 7, Pinworms

You can also find these and future videos on the Gluck Center’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GluckEquineResearchCenter/

Holly Wiemers, MA, APR, is communications and managing director of UK Ag Equine Programs.