Diseases External Pests Can Spread to Horses What's in Your Fly Spray

SPECIAL ISSUE: PEST CONTROL BROUGHT TO YOU BY ULTRASHIELD® Stable Management Spring 2019

Diseases External What’s in Tips for Applying Pests Can Spread Your Fly Spray? Repellent Safely to Horses and Efﬁ ciently

SM_CoverA_SPRING_2019-_fnl.indd 1 4/2/19 11:59 AM Keep your horse off the menu. Whether your horse is turned out or stalled, biting insects see a tasty meal. Made with powerful geraniol and six natural oils, UltraShield® Green stops ticks, ﬂies, gnats and mosquitoes from feasting on your horse. It’s tough on bugs, but gentle on horses, foals, dogs and you, too. Protect your partner.

Untitled-9 1 3/26/19 10:58 AM Table of Contents—Special Issue: Pest Control BROUGHT TO YOU BY UltraShield®

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From the Stable Life Cycles of 2 What Makes 25 Don’t Forget Office: Stop Bugging 14 External Parasites 32 a Fly Repellent the Dogs Me! Understanding how and Sweat Resistant? Some equine fly sprays can By Kimberly S. Brown where insects breed and live Pick the right fly spray for also be used on dogs. Learn can help you protect yourself your horse’s activity level and how to determine which prod- 3 Diseases That and your horses. pest pressure. ucts can serve double duty External Pests Can By Nancy S. Loving, DVM Spread to Horses By Katie Navarra around your barn. You might think of them as Farm Management By Katie Navarra 18 Tips for Applying 29 just pests, but flies, mosquitoes to Reduce Insect Repellents Safely and and ticks are also important Numbers Special Ad Sections Effectively carriers of disease. There are many things farm Before you pick up that bottle Pest Control Guide By Nancy S. Loving, DVM owners and managers can do 12 of fly spray, read the label to Fly, mosquito and tick control to reduce the populations of maximize your investment. that always has you covered 9 Ingredients for pests on their properties. External Pest Control By Katie Navarra By Kimberly S. Brown Fly Mask Guide Chemicals can be beneficial 21 Facing the facts about fly for deterring insects, but they control can also cause problems if not used properly. Cover photo by Arnd By Nancy S. Loving, DVM Bronkhorst Photography

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-TOC v4.indd 1 4/2/19 3:53 PM From the Stable Office

Stable Stop Bugging Me! Management lying and crawling pests are not only a nuisance, they can carry deadly diseases to you and your Equine Health Network Group Publisher animals. In this special issue of Stable Manage- Kimberly S. Brown F ® ment, we have teamed up with UltraShield to create a [email protected] great reference on some of the most common problems Stable Management Associate that flies, mosquitoes, gnats and ticks bring to your Publisher/Advertising Sales Tom Brazil horses. We discuss what you can do to control exposure [email protected] to those pests while offering management techniques to reduce the incidence of bugs around your farm, barn and horses. In our cover story on page 3, you will find information on more than 25 specific EQUINE NETWORK diseases that flies, mosquitoes, gnats and ticks can spread to horses. There are a Senior Editor myriad of potential disease risks from the vast array of insects that cohabit a horse’s Laurel Scott environment, so this information is important in the horse owner’s and manager’s Art Director fight to protect his or her animals. Philip Cooper Knowing what ingredients are in your insect sprays, wipes and roll-ons will help Production Manager you decide which product is best to use in which situation. The article on page 9 en- Caitlin O’Connor ables you to read product labels and understand what ingredients are at work on and Prepress Specialist around your horses. Brad Burleson Continuing on the theme of understanding what is in the product you are using, you should understand that how a fly product is made will determine how efficient it is when used on a horse that will be sweating. On page 14, learn about the chemical bases for different types of products and what those mean to the products’ effectiveness on your horse during exercise. Chairman & CEO Efrem Zimbalist III Did you know that you are responsible for using pesticides safely? On page 18, COO Andrew W. Clurman learn how to read a product label so you’ll understand how to use that product, and Sr. Vice President & CFO Brian Sellstrom Sr. Vice President, Operations Patricia B. Fox just as importantly, what precautions to take. CEO & President Andrew W. Clurman Building on that foundation of pest disease education is an article on page 25 that Executive Vice President, helps you understand the life cycles of pests—how and where insects breed and live— CFO, Treasurer & COO Michael Henry which can help you protect yourself and your horses. For example, did you know Chief Innovation Officer Jonathan Dorn horse flies are the ultimate equine vampires? A USDA bulletin pointed out that each President, Equine Group Tom Winsor horse fly ingests 1 cc of blood at each feeding. If 20-30 flies feed for six hours, the horse loses 20 teaspoons, which over 10 days translates to a quart of blood! Vice President of Audience Development Tom Masterson The average 1,000-pound horse will produce approximately 50 pounds of manure each day. That totals to about 8.5 tons per year of material that flies just love! And Vice President, Equine Group Dave Andrick did you know that mosquitoes can reproduce in as little as two tablespoons of water? Under ideal breeding conditions, that small amount of water only needs to exist for Vice President, People & Places JoAnn Thomas a mere five days for adult mosquitoes to develop. Management of your property will go a long way toward keeping pests from reproducing and gaining access to your ani- Vice President, Production & Manufacturing Barb Van Sickle mals. As we discuss on page 29, this includes managing manure, eliminating standing water and more. Vice President, Digital Products & Platforms Katie Herrell And how many of us have been fly-spraying the horse and given a quick squirt or two to the dog? Some products work well on equines and canines, but some ingredi- Vice President, Information Technology Nelson Sanez ents should not be used on dogs. Learn more on page 32. We are happy to team up with UltraShield® to bring you this information in a for- AIM Board Chair Efrem Zimbalist III mat that can be kept on your farm office bookshelf and used for years to come. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-STABLEOFFICE v3.indd 2 4/2/19 4:07 PM Some horses are hypersensitive to ﬂ y and mosquito bites and can have skin and other reactions, even without disease spread. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST Diseases That External Pests Can Spread to Horses

You might think of them as just pests, but flies, mosquitoes and ticks are also important carriers of disease.

By Nancy S. Loving, DVM

xternal pests are not just horse to repeatedly toss his head, stomp are probably familiar with insect-borne nuisances; they can bring his feet and swish his tail to deter them. diseases that afflict humans, such Zika significant health conse- With each bite or sip of body fluid, virus, dengue virus, encephalitis, yellow quences to your horse. Bugs many types of insects serve as mechanical fever and malaria. Well, it turns out that are persistent and are con- vectors to infect your horse with dis- the diseases that can be transmitted to Estantly looking for a meal, causing your ease—like little syringes or sponges. You horses are also many and varied. StableManagement.com Stable Management Spring 2019 3

FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-Diseases v5.indd 3 4/2/19 10:39 AM Many diseases that cause neurologic signs in horses are carried by ﬂies, mosquitoes or ticks. In general, horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight per day in forage. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST

While we want to protect against as Mosquitoes bite the bird, then bite the States since 2004. However, this virus is many of these diseases as possible with horse or person to transmit disease. Hors- still found in birds and mosquitoes in this vaccination and good property manage- es and humans are considered “dead- geographical area. Jackrabbits also can ment, horse owners also need to deter end hosts” because they don’t develop serve as a reservoir for the virus. flies, mosquitoes and ticks from getting sufficient virus in their bloodstreams to Venezuelan equine encephalitis causes on and biting their horses. enable transfer to another horse or human death in 20-80% of infected horses. The Let’s take a look at the diseases that through mosquitoes or body fluids. Birds bulk of the cases occur in Latin America, these external pests can carry to our are a necessary part of this process. so there is a risk of infection in states bor- horses so we better understand why and dering Mexico, such as south Texas, New how we need to protect against them. EEE, WEE, VEE Mexico and Arizona. While no cases Eastern equine encephalitis generally oc- of VEE have occurred in the USA in 40 Mosquito-Borne Disease curs east of the Mississippi River. Culiseta years, with climate change, there could be Mosquitoes transmit some of the most melanura mosquitoes transmit it to horses, an influx of this virus moving north out ravaging diseases throughout the world. causing serious neurologic disease with of Mexico. The primary reservoir for this The four most-common mosquito-borne 90% fatality. virus is rodents instead of birds. viruses relevant to horses are West Nile Horses with encephalitis appear sleepy, virus (WNV), Eastern equine encepha- hence the moniker “sleeping sickness.” West Nile Virus litis (EEE), Western equine encephalitis An infected horse develops a fever, invol- West Nile virus infection does not always (WEE) and Venezuelan equine encepha- untary muscle twitching and an uncoor- cause clinical signs when a horse becomes litis (VEE). Each of these diseases is dinated (ataxic) gait. Eventually the horse infected, but the disease is quite serious effectively prevented with annual vaccina- goes down and is unable to get up. Most when it does, with a 35% fatality rate. tion. However, some parts of the country cases begin to appear in late summer on Along with fever, many horses experi- enjoy mild weather year-round and are into the fall months in temperate climate ence problems with their cranial nerves, impacted by persistent mosquito popula- regions, but cases can appear year-round which are responsible for functions of tions, necessitating twice-annual boosters. in southern states. the head such as chewing, swallowing, While these four viruses also affect Western equine encephalitis, a similar blinking and facial muscle tone, to name humans, none of them are transmissible neurologic disease to EEE, is transmitted a few. Infection with WNV also causes between horses or from horse to human. by the Culex tarsalis mosquito, which lives other neurologic problems such as hind- They require a mosquito vector to trans- in the western part of the USA. Fatality limb weakness, muscle tremors, behavior mit virus. rate is about 40-50%. Recent years have changes, ataxia, an inability to stand or Birds (and sometimes rodents) carry seen a dramatic drop in equine cases, rise and paralysis. It is possible that other the virus but do not become infected. with none reported in the western United signs of encephalitis, such as seen with

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-Diseases v5.indd 4 4/2/19 10:39 AM EEE, WEE or VEE, will develop in a riers; they appear normal but are infected specific treatment other than supportive horse infected with WNV: head pressing, with the EIA virus. Flies (or equipment) care and anti-inflammatory medications. aimless wandering, seizures, hyper- can transmit virus from this seemingly This is a reportable disease, and the af- excitability and coma. About 40% of the normal individual to a naive horse. fected property will be quarantined until horses that recover from clinical signs Routine surveillance testing with a a period of time after the last case on of WNV will continue to experience a Coggins (or ELISA) test can help control that farm recovers. Vesicular stomatitis persistent neurologic deficit. outbreaks. An EIA test should be done is transmissible to humans, so protec- annually for traveling or show horses— tive gloves are important when handling Fly-Borne Diseases every six months is required by some infected horses. Quite often horse owners consider flies states—and before a new horse enters a to be merely pests, rather than a threat to property and the home herd. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity, the health of their horses. Unfortunately, Sweet Itch (aka Queensland’s Itch) there are many critical diseases that are Vesicular Stomatitis Caused by the Culicoides midge (“no-see- carried by flies. Here are the most impor- Insect vectors such as black flies, sand um”), sweet itch is an allergic hypersensi- tant in North America. flies and midges are able to transmit tivity to the gnat’s saliva. The midges feed vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), but the on the horse’s belly, but the midge bites Equine Infectious Anemia virus also can be transmitted between create a systemic allergic reaction. Equine infectious anemia (EIA), histori- horses by direct contact with infective The horse mutilates itself by rubbing cally called swamp fever, is a highly fatal blisters, water, buckets, contaminated feed on anything in reach in order to counter- viral disease of horses that is transmitted or fomites (such as hands, equipment, act the intense itch. He’ll rub off his mane through bites from horse flies or deer clothing and shoes). and tail, and often the horse’s rump, face flies. Flies that are interrupted during a The horse with vesicular stomatitis and chest are raw and bleeding from all blood meal—as they often are by swish- develops blisters, usually in and around of the rubbing. In some cases, there is ing tails and movement or bites by the the mouth. There is sufficient discomfort concurrent airway disease. horse—are able to transfer virus between that an infected horse doesn’t want to eat; A new vaccine against insect bite horses. saliva drools from the mouth as the horse hypersensitivity is currently being evalu- Research has shown that a horse that is reluctant to swallow. There is usually a ated to help mitigate some of the allergic is 50 yards or more from another horse is fever, and lesions also can develop around response to these biting flies. Studies on less likely to be attacked by the same fly. the nose, coronary band, sheath or udder the vaccine have demonstrated that nearly In these cases, the fly usually returns to in some horses. half of the vaccinated horses improved in the original host to attempt to feed again. No vaccine is available to prevent clinical signs by 50%, and 21% improved EIA also can be transmitted by expo- vesicular stomatitis, and there is no by 75%. sure to contaminated blood products or instruments such as syringes. Currently Biting stable ﬂies or house ﬂies can carry fungi into existing wounds to cause ulcerated skin lesions in the United States, more than half that give the appearance of skin scalding or burns. of reported cases of EIA are identified among unsanctioned bush-track and Quarter Horse racing horses. This is due to trainers and owners reusing needles and syringes, intravenous tubing and tattoo equipment without appropriate sterilization, or due to the administration of contaminated blood products. Virus concentration in the residual blood in a used syringe and needle can be up to 10,000-fold greater than that carried by even the largest horse fly; the virus can remain viable for at least four days in these fomites. There are usually three phases of EIA infection—acute, chronic and an inapparent carrier. Horses that survive the acute phase become chronic, inapparent carriers. The virus causes recurrent fever, lethargy, poor appetite, low platelet numbers and anemia. The big concern is with

those horses that remain inapparent car- PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-Diseases v5.indd 5 4/2/19 10:39 AM a horse breaking with severe, pipe-stream diarrhea and colic. About 30% of affected horses die due to subsequent development of severe laminitis. It took decades of veterinary sleuth- ing to identify the source of the bacterial pathogen. It begins in snails containing the infectious agent, which is released in snail cercaria—a free-swimming larval stage. Caddis fly and other aquatic insect larvae serve as natural vectors as they pick up the cercaria containing the infective bacteria. As the aquatic insects hatch and emerge from a creek, river or ditch water, the horse incidentally ingests them in contaminated water, hay and pasture to become infected. Infection seems to coincide with large hatchings of caddis flies, mayflies and stoneflies in warm months. Even horses without access to pasture

ARND BORNKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BORNKHORST can become infected—aquatic insects are Many ﬂies can spread Corynebacteria pseudotuberculosis to horses, which can cause lymphangitis. drawn to lights at night, and many barns and horse facilities have lights on at night. Black Fly Dermatitis Horn Fly Irritation Black flies (Simulium spp.) feed on the Horn flies can be an irritation to horses Habronemiasis or Summer Sores inside of horse ears and along the neck, when pastured with or close to cattle. Biting stable flies and house flies that chest and belly. Horses can develop an al- These flies like to feed on the shoulders, feed on wounds or chronically moist skin lergic reaction to the saliva from black fly neck, withers and belly, contributing to can infect a horse’s tissue with Habronema bites to form wheals (hives) and itching. abdominal midline dermatitis. Insecticide or Draschia worms. These worms like Bleeding and crusting lesions within the repellents are effective in reducing irrita- to reside in the horse’s stomach, pass- ears cause discomfort and might develop tion caused by these pests. ing eggs and larvae into the feces. Once into aural plaques. Some horses become passed in the feces, the worms are then head shy when their ears bother them Corynebacteria pseudotuberculosis ingested by flies to deposit the larvae on subsequent to an inflammatory reaction (aka Pigeon Fever) a horse’s mucous membranes, around to the black fly bites. House flies, stable flies and horn flies can the eyes or in wounds. The result is a Baby oil or roll-on insecticides inside spread Corynebacteria pseudotuberculosis to hypersensitivity reaction to the worm the ears serve as repellents, as do fly horses, particularly if landing on open larvae—wounds won’t heal, but instead masks with ear covers. sores or injecting the bacteria from fly proliferate with excessive amounts of mouthpieces with a bite. granulation tissue. Onchocerca Infection results in external and/ Treatment with ivermectin or moxidec- Biting midges (Culicoides) or black flies or internal abscesses and/or ulcerative tin kills Habronema spp. almost 100% of (Simulium spp.) are intermediate hosts lymphangitis (which results in infection the time and is effective for prevention. that can infect a horse with Onchocerca and swelling of the limbs). Abscesses on Using repellents and fly barriers (i.e., cervicalis, which are thread-like filarial the chest swell to appear like a pigeon’s masks, sheets and wound bandages) is worms that migrate beneath the skin or breast, hence the common moniker of important in protecting horses. within the eye. The immature forms are “pigeon fever.” located on the abdomen, with the adults Rain Scald/Equine Granular present along the nuchal ligament of the Potomac Horse Fever Dermatitis/Phycomycosis neck. Potomac horse fever (PHF or equine Biting stable flies and house flies can The result is inflammation and derma- neorickettsiosis) is caused by bacteria carry fungi into existing wounds to cause titis—crusting, scales, ulcers, hair loss, Neorickettsia risticii. Although originally phycomycosis. The fungi cause ulcerated and/or pigmentation loss—of the neck, localized along the Potomac River in skin lesions that give the appearance of chest, withers, forelegs or abdomen. Maryland and Virginia, it has occurred in skin scalding or burns. Uveitis of the eye can develop, often as 44 states in areas with freshwater streams This fungal infection tends to occur in a reaction to dead or dying microfilaria. and rivers. It generally is seen seasonally moist climates with extended periods of Ivermectin is effective at killing Onchocerca in warm months (i.e., spring, summer and warm weather, such as that found in the microfilaria. autumn). Clinical signs generally include southeastern United States.

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-Diseases v5.indd 6 4/2/19 10:40 AM Bot Fly Larvae the horse might develop chronic conjunc- African Horsesickness Bot flies look a bit like bumblebees, but tivitis with persistent ocular discharge, An incredibly serious and highly fatal don’t sting or bite. Depending on the corneal inflammation and/or ulcers as a disease, African horsesickness (AHS) is specific species, they lay their eggs, called result of this parasite. transmitted by Culicoides spp. flies. Fortu- nits, on a horse’s legs, mane, shoulders, nately, there are no natural cases of this in flanks, neck, below the jaw or on the Warbles the United States, but the disease is mov- muzzle. As the horse rubs or grooms its Usually seen when horses cohabit ing into other areas around the world. legs or other areas of its body, the sticky pastures with cattle, warble flies (Hy- nits find their way to the horse’s mouth, poderma spp.) lay their eggs on the hair Tick-Borne Diseases where they burrow into the tongue and of the legs and belly of a horse. Once No one likes ticks, and we can be assured gums. Once hatched, the larvae are hatched, the larvae then bore inward and our horses feel the same way. Ticks cause swallowed into the stomach, where they migrate through connective tissue toward discomfort and carry multiple diseases remain for seven to 10 months until they the epidural fat of the spine or into the to our equine companions (as well as our pass through the digestive tract and are esophagus. In the springtime, they move dogs, our cats and us!). eliminated in the manure to start the cycle to the subcutaneous back tissues to form a In the last few years, new species of anew. stationary nodule. ticks have been found in the United In most cases, bot fly larvae are rela- They might be unnoticeable until they States, and the ramification of those new tively harmless. It is when they occur grow large enough to form a lump. What species—and the spread of endemic tick in large numbers that they can interfere might also be apparent with close inspec- species—are of concern to horse owners. with nutritional absorption and/or create tion is the presence of an “air hole” that stomach ulcers. Avermectin (ivermectin allows the larva to breathe. Lyme Disease or moxidectin) deworming medications Lyme disease is becoming more prevalent are effective at killing bot larvae. Sarcoids in the United States, especially in the Some equine sarcoids are caused by Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic states and Eye Parasites bovine papillomavirus. Current research the northern Midwest states (particularly Thelaziasis is a condition that develops has indicated that insect vectors, such as Minnesota and Wisconsin). from face flies feeding on eye secretions. stable flies, might spread this virus. Virus The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis, Thelazia parasites can burrow into the attached to the fly’s mouthpiece can be also called the deer tick) carries a bac- eye tissues to cause nodular reactions, or inoculated into a horse’s skin with a bite. terium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is the

There are many problems and diseases that can be caused in and around the horse’s eye by ﬂies. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-Diseases v5.indd 7 4/2/19 10:40 AM causative agent of Lyme disease. moist forests and have regular precipita- poor appetite and weight loss, dark- A horse infected with B. burgdorferi tion. Preferred temperature ranges be- colored urine, respiratory difficulty, colic, develops a variety of non-specific clinical tween 53-104 degrees Fahrenheit, but the abortion and even death. A horse can be a signs, including low-grade fever, shift- ticks don’t tolerate dehydration. silent carrier of this disease. ing limb lameness, muscle tenderness, The females are able to reproduce asex- muscle wasting and weight loss, stiff gait, ually through cloning without a need to Spinose Ear Ticks lethargy, behavioral changes, increased mate; this is called parthenogenesis. Each A horse infected with soft spinose ear sensitivity of skin to touch and uveitis (in- female lays up to 2,000 eggs at a time—all ticks (Otobius megnini) might repeatedly flammation of the eye tissues surrounding females, making it nearly impossible to shake its head, or it can develop muscle the pupil). Although not a common clini- eradicate them. cramping, myotonia (inability to relax cal sign, joint swelling can occur. Rarely, In its typical range of Eastern Asia, the muscles), paralysis or colic due to tick a Lyme disease-infected horse might New Zealand and Australia, these ticks salivary toxin. These conditions resolve experience neurologic signs, referred to as carry deadly diseases. Infestations also as soon as the ticks are removed from the neuroborreliosis. contribute to blood loss, which is signifi- ears. The ticks attach deep within the ear Not all horses infected with Borrelia de- cant for livestock producers, with a poten- canal and are difficult to see. velop clinical signs. It might take up to six tially similar impact on horse health. weeks after an infection before the animal As yet, active disease transmission Tularemia begins to exhibit clinical signs. through these ticks has not been identified Although rare, tularemia can occur in in the United States, but the research on horses. Horses acquire it through tick Anaplasmosis their impact is just getting started. transmission (wood ticks, lone star tick, Another tick-borne disease is referred dog tick). Deer flies also serve as potential to as equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis or vectors in addition to being a bacterial anaplasmosis, and it is caused by the bac- reservoir. Fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, terium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Black- reduced mobility, coughing, septicemia legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus or scapularis, and diarrhea occur suddenly, with a aka deer ticks) and the Lone Star tick potential for death within a few hours or (Amblyomma americanum) are common days. vectors for disease transmission. Flies also can release these bacteria into a horse’s Spider Bites bloodstream with a bite. Once there, the Last, but certainly not least, is the bacteria invade the white blood cells and potential for a horse to develop a serious cause widespread destruction of red and reaction from a spider bite. white blood cells and platelets. Brown recluse or black widow spiders Incubation takes one to two weeks, are the usual culprits. Most of the time an and there are specific clinical signs horse owner won’t see the actual spider, so it is owners should watch out for: high fever UNIVERSITYBRUCE OF MAINE WATT, a presumptive diagnosis. Spiders like to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, depressed This is the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis, inhabit sheds, wood piles and dark, dank appetite, depression, limb edema (swell- which can spread multiple diseases. places, and they are usually tucked away ing), petechial hemorrhages (tiny blood in hidden crevices. spots on mucous membranes such as the Piroplasmosis A black widow female bite can cause gums and inner tissue of the nose), ic- Equine piroplasmosis, a reportable systemic injury that includes fever, muscle terus (jaundice) and a reluctance to move disease, is caused by a protozoal parasite cramps, respiratory difficulty and pain due to muscle soreness and/or ataxia infection. Theileria equi or Babesia caballi just like it does with people. A brown (incoordination). are the causative agents. The viruses are recluse causes a localized inflammatory transmitted to horses by ticks that have reaction, pain and tissue necrosis. Longhorned Ticks fed on infected horses. It is possible that A new tick has made its way into the a carrier tick is able to transmit the infec- In Summary United States: the Asian longhorned tick tion to future ticks through its eggs. There are a myriad of potential disease (ALT) or Haemaphysalis longicornis, also Just as with EIA, this blood-borne risks to horses from the vast array of in- called the bush tick or cattle tick. By the infection can also be spread through con- sects that cohabit a horse’s environment. end of 2018, sightings of these ticks had taminated equipment, syringes, needles, Insect control strategies, immunization occurred in nine states: Arkansas, Con- intravenous tubing and blood products. In against infectious disease when possible, necticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New addition, it can pass from mares to foals and diligent attention to management York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, in utero. details are important control strategies. Virginia and West Virginia. An infected horse develops clinical Those strategies should be combined The longhorned tick thrives in temper- signs that include fever, anemia, limb with regular monitoring and scrutiny for ate, humid climates that are thick with swelling, jaundice, exercise intolerance, anything amiss with your horse. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-Diseases v5.indd 8 4/2/19 10:40 AM There are many ingredients that you can use on your horses or around your stable to reduce ﬂ ies. ISTOCKPHOTOS.COM Ingredients for External Pest Control

Chemicals can be beneficial for deterring insects, but they can also cause problems if not used properly.

By Nancy S. Loving, DVM

nsects are incredibly creative Chemical Pest Control Many chemical insecticide products on about avoiding methods to curtail Chemical substances for pest control the market use as their active ingredients their access to a horse host. You act as repellents that deter insects from either pyrethrins or pyrethroids. These probably have found that applica- landing or cause them to leave before compounds have their greatest effect on tions of some chemical insecti- feeding. Nonetheless, the insects are still flies and gnats through adverse effects cidesI are no longer as effective or last as attracted to a horse’s warmth, movement on the insects’ nervous systems. Some long as in years past. This lack of efficacy and carbon dioxide exhalation. So chemi- pyrethrin/pyrethroid insecticides are also has stimulated strategies to protect horses cal control doesn’t entirely eliminate the effective against mosquitoes. from the annoyance and potential disease situation, but it minimizes insects’ direct While pyrethrin is considered a chem- risk created by feeding insects. contact with a horse. ical-based product, it is derived from an

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-INGREDIENTS v2.indd 9 4/2/19 11:19 AM Non-toxic citronella is extracted from the lemongrass plant. It is most effective against mosquitoes. In general, horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight per day in forage. ISTOCKPHOTOS/ MADELEINEISTOCKPHOTOS/ STEINBACH

extract of the dried flowers and seed cases mind, some fly repellents also contain environmental risks, such as the impact of the Chrysanthemum plant—this Afri- aloe and lanolin to minimize loss of the of contaminating water sources or other can painted daisy has developed a natural chemical through sweat. environmentally sensitive areas with the ability to ward off insects. As a “natural” DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-tiluamide) insecticide. chemical, it is quite safe to use, but its is commonly used in people, but it is not Pyrethroids are toxic to cats, bees, repellent action is short-lived due to the often included in insect repellents for aquatic insects and fish. When applying ease with which it is broken down by horses. insecticides to your horse or elsewhere in ultraviolet from the sun. The biodegrad- the barn, caution should be taken to avoid able nature of the pyrethrins makes them Read the Label contaminating nearby aquatic habitats, environmentally friendly, but it interferes Before the purchase or application of an barn cats or flowering plants. Don’t spray with the longevity of repellent activity. insecticide for your horse, check the bottle those chemicals on a horse’s face; instead, To counteract that problem, some for the list of active ingredients, the con- wipe them on with a cloth, keeping well preparations with pyrethrin contain centrations and the names of the targeted away from the eyes. Roll-on insect repel- sunscreen (PABA) to block ultraviolet pests. Higher concentrations of an active lents are safe to use as long as they don’t degradation of pyrethrin so fly spray ap- ingredient result in longer duration of contact the eyes. Spot-on insecticides with plications last longer. Many preparations effects. Concentrations of pyrethrins and permethrin applied to the poll, the tail, with pyrethrins also include piperonyl bu- pyrethroids vary from 0.05% to 0.50% to and behind each hock and knee seem to toxide (PBO), derived from the sassafras 1%. Spot-on pyrethroids can be as high as protect for a couple of weeks. Never ap- tree, as a synergist to improve duration 40% concentration. The mildest chemical ply insecticides directly to open wounds. of effectiveness. PBO helps mitigate the is pyrethrin; resmethrin is a bit stronger, Also consider the potential toxicity to development of fly resistance to repellents while permethrin is next in strength and humans applying the insecticide, and also by interfering with enzymes an insect uses cypermethrin is the most potent, with to pregnant mothers, children and other to denature the repellent. the potential for more toxic effects to the barnyard pets. It is always good sense to Pyrethroids are synthetic compounds horse if used improperly. wear gloves when applying insecticide similar to pyrethrins. These include cy- Read the label details on the insecti- to minimize skin contact. Stay upwind permethrin, permethrin, resmethrin and cides you plan to use. Apply them per the when spraying and immediately wash any prallethrin. Working in the lab, chemists manufacturer’s recommendations. Look areas of your hands and face that come in have come up with ways to better stabilize for added ingredients that might, in fact, contact with chemicals. pyrethroids so that topical application be fly attractants, such as odor-improve- lasts up to a few days. However, sweat ments (scents and perfumes). Take note if ‘Natural’ Insecticides and rain will wash off the insecticide, a product is not intended for use on foals Many horse owners are wary of using necessitating reapplication. With this in or pregnant or lactating mares. Consider chemical insecticides on their horses, so

10 Stable Management Spring 2019 StableManagement.com StableManagement.com

FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-INGREDIENTS v2.indd 10 4/2/19 11:19 AM particularly sensitive to fly irritation on their legs. Recent research has identified the value of zebra stripes as a pest control. The investigators found that while zebras and horses are approached by a similar number of horse flies, fewer land on the zebras. Then, the researchers placed striped blankets on the same study horses and found that fewer flies landed on the blanketed areas, while the solid head

ISTOCKPHOTOS/ SUBODHSATHE ISTOCKPHOTOS/ ISTOCKPHOTOS/KJ2011 areas still received a lot of fly landings. Top left: Aloe is used to minimize loss of active Another useful technique to minimize chemicals through sweat. insect annoyance is to bring a horse into a shed or stall and aim a fan appropriately Above: Piperonyl butoxide is derived from the to deter insect entry. Many flies and mos- sassafras tree. quitoes aren’t able to deal with turbulent air. Stalls can also be screened in extreme Left: Pyrethryn is derived from the dried ﬂowers insect situations. and seed cases of the chrysanthemum. Consider the placement and type of lighting in your barn—fluorescent lights is geraniol from geranium plants. attract insects less than incandescent Recipes for homemade fly sprays are bulbs. At night, turn off the lights. Or

ISTOCKPHOTOS/ BRYTTA ISTOCKPHOTOS/ prevalent on the internet. They might turn on incandescent lights elsewhere on contain any number of ingredients added the property, away from stabling, to lure they turn to more “natural” products. to the previously mentioned essential insects away from the horses. Herbal fly sprays often combine a number oils, such as basil, bay leaf, cloves, tansy, Non-stinging fly predator wasps, also of essential oils such as citronella, laven- black pepper, rue, rosemary, southern- called parasitoids, eat fly larvae in manure der, eucalyptus, pine or cedar oil, tea tree, wood (related to wormwood), santolina, to reduce the number of flies hatching witch hazel, thyme oil, peppermint and spearmint, neem (a tree from India) or into adult form. These wasps are best at pennyroyal, as examples. The most effec- sassafras. controlling house flies and stable flies, but tive essential oils are thyme oil, geraniol, Many horse owners mix up a concoc- they don’t have much impact on horse, peppermint oil, cedar oil, patchouli and tion that contains “Skin-So-Soft” for its deer or face flies. Start your monthly or- clove, with repellent properties of one to effectiveness against no-see-um midges ders before fly season begins and continue three hours. Herbal repellents don’t last and blackflies; however, the action of that through to a killing frost. Spread these particularly long due to their volatility product is very short lived, measured in wasps on manure around the property. and evaporation. minutes, not hours. It has also been noted During wet weather that favors fly hatch- Just because a product is called “natu- that several of the ingredients in Skin-So- ing, weekly application might be neces- ral” doesn’t ensure it is safe to use. None Soft end up being fly attractants that can sary. of the products that are sold commercial- override the repellent effect. Daily feed-through insecticides pass ly are EPA or FDA tested or approved, through the feces to kill developing fly and some ingredients have been known to Other Fly Control Methods maggots in manure. They only work in cause skin allergic reactions (dermatitis). Not all fly control measures rely on some the manure and not in other insect breed- Plant-based repellents do not undergo rig- form of chemical or herb. ing areas. In addition, if feed-through orous testing and scrutiny, so they should Mosquito-net material incorporated insecticides are used along with parasitoid be used with caution. into fly face masks and fly sheets serves wasps, killing off the larvae in manure One non-toxic compound, citronella, as an excellent barrier against annoying leaves the parasitoid wasps with little to is extracted from the lemongrass plant. insects. Some masks also come with ear feed on. Consult with your veterinarian It is most effective against mosquitoes, netting to shield the ears; others include about the safety and prudence of using lasting about two hours, so it does require an extension piece that covers a large part feed-through products. frequent application. of the nose and muzzle. Another biologic insect control tech- Eucalyptus oil, another natural repel- The mesh material in a fly sheet keeps nique is to order nematodes to spread on lent, is used for its pungent odor, which insects from landing directly on the the property. The worms thrive in moist confuses mosquitoes as they hunt for their horse’s body—yet air circulates over the soil, bedding or manure. They destroy target’s location. skin while bugs and some ultraviolet rays insect larvae by releasing bacteria that are Another natural repellent more com- are blocked out. Mesh leg boots are also non-toxic to mammals, birds or earth- monly used against mosquitoes than flies helpful to give comfort to horses that are worms. SM

StableManagement.com Stable Management Spring 2019 11

FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-INGREDIENTS v2.indd 11 4/2/19 11:20 AM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Fly, Mosquito and Tick Control That Always Has You Covered

UltraShield® EX UltraShield® Red UltraShield® Sport UltraShield® Green

Our most advanced, Effective 5-way protection Sweat-resistant protection 7 essential oils for eco-safe longest-lasting protection for everyday activity for hot, humid weather protection of the entire family for the most challenging conditions

Active Ingredient(s) Pyrethrins 0.10% Pyrethrins 0.025% Cypermethrin 1.00% Thyme Oil 0.01% Permethrin 0.50% Permethrin 0.90% Cedar Oil 0.05% Piperonyl Butoxide 1.00% Tetramethrin 0.25% Lemongrass Oil 0.05% Cypermethrin 0.10% Rosemary Oil 0.05% Piperonyl Butoxide 1.00% Citronella Oil 0.06% Clove Oil 0.08% Geraniol 0.70% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 2.50% Kills flies, mosquitoes ✔ ✔ ✔ and ticks

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Always read and follow label directions.

SM-SPRING_2019-SPRAYGUIDE fnl.indd 12 4/2/19 11:42 AM UltraShield® EX UltraShield® Red UltraShield® Sport UltraShield® Green Activities and Uses

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Always read and follow label directions.

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Ear Protection Available

Extended Nose Protection Available

SM-SPRING_2019-SPRAYGUIDE fnl.indd 13 4/2/19 4:03 PM Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA evaluates the pesticide on several factors based on the ingredients, which determines the information that must be identified on the label. The pesticide(s) in the bottle must be listed, but the additives might not be required information. “Sweat is not one of the requirements for registration, but water/rain resistance is,” he said. The Bases Fly repellents fall into one of two categories: oil-based or water-based. “Oil-based fly repellents are more Learn what the label on stable and bind with the hairs of the ﬂy products can reveal animal, making them more resistant and about weather- and longer lasting,” said Sonja L. Swiger, sweat-resistance. an associate professor and veterinary/ medical extension entomologist at Texas A&M University. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST Oil-based sprays make the horse’s coat shiny when first applied and tend to be faster-working products. The trade-off What Makes a for longer lasting control is that oil-based products attract more dust and dirt and can act like “suntan lotions” for some horses. Therefore, sensitive horses might be more likely to burn. These products Fly Repellent tend to be used at home rather than at a show while trying to keep a horse extra clean. “Oil-based formulations mix or bind Sweat Resistant? with the active ingredient and adhere to the oils on the skin,” Watson said. “It is common knowledge that pyrethroids Pick the right fly spray for your found in ear tags [used in cattle] move about the body of the animal in skin oils.” horse’s activity level and pest pressure. Conversely, water-based products are oil-free, making them less irritating for horses with sensitive skin. Because they By Katie Navarra don’t contain oils, they won’t attract as much dust, theoretically helping to keep t’s impossible to eliminate insects sweat- or water-resistant. Ever wonder the horse cleaner longer—or until he rolls! from the barn. Cleaning stalls how those products work and what that “A water-based fly repellent needs to be daily and removing manure from claim really means? The answer is in the used more often and evaporates faster,” paddocks go a long way toward repellent formulation. Swiger added. reducing habitats for insect “This falls under the ‘trade secret’ Since the formulation of fly sprays are populations.I Eliminating standing water, component of formulation chemistry,” proprietary, chances are you won’t find trimming tall weeds around fences and said Wes Watson, PhD, a professor and specifics on the label as to what helps using fans are other tactics that can help extension specialist of integrated pest keep the product on the horse’s coat. control these populations. However, management for livestock and poultry However, it’s helpful to remember that even with the most diligent management at the North Carolina State University the ingredients in the bottle might be routines, insects will still be around. Extension. better suited for specific insects, weather Visit any tack store or online supply Before any fly sprays can be sold, the conditions or activity levels. Rotating company and you’ll find many types manufacturer must register the product repellents based on these factors can offer of fly sprays. Some are labeled as being with the United States Environmental your horse the best protection. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-SWEATY v2.indd 14 4/2/19 11:36 AM Untitled-5 1 3/26/19 9:50 AM MANUFACTURER’S COUPON EXPIRES 12/31/19 DO NOT DOUBLE

$ OFF

Save8 on a gallon of the good stu. $8 o any 1 UltraShield® gallon. RETAILER: W.F. Young, Inc., will redeem this coupon for face value plus 8¢ handling, provided it is redeemed by a consumer at the time of purchase. Coupons not properly redeemed will be void and held. Reproduction of this coupon is expressly prohibited. Any other use constitutes fraud. Consumer must pay sales tax. Oer good only in USA and Military APOs/FPOs. Mail to: CMS 11444, 1 Fawcett Dr., Del Rio, TX 78840. Cash value .001¢. Void where taxed or restricted. Oer limited to one coupon per item per transaction. Not to be used in conjunction with other coupons.

2 PG SPREAD_TITLE_XXXX.indd 2 3/26/19 11:32 AM What do you think these bloodsuckers are saying? Get creative and we might surprise you with some UltraShield®. 1. Put words in their mouths and limbs on their bodies. (Keep it clean, folks.) 2. Snap a shot of your completed cartoon. 3. Upload it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #CaptionThisFeast and tag @Absorbine. 4. Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram while you’re at it.

If we LOL, we may share your entry on our Facebook or Instagram. If we laugh hysterically, we’ll send the authors their favorite UltraShield® ﬂy spray.

2 PG SPREAD_TITLE_XXXX.indd 3 3/26/19 11:32 AM Know how to safely apply repellents and avoid getting product in your horse’s eyes. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST Tips for Applying Repellents Safely and Effectively Before you pick up that bottle of fly spray, read the label to maximize your investment.

By Katie Navarra

othing ruins the pleasure hooves and even cause damage to joints. use, and come in a wide array of product of your ride faster than Blood-sucking insects can cause itching, choices and ingredients. Horse owners annoying insects. It’s fatigue and even malnutrition. Worst of often take for granted how they should no fun being swarmed all, insects carry diseases, some of them use the products. But reading the product by buzzing insects, and particularly dangerous to horses. label and following the manufacturer’s in- itN distracts your horse from the task at Many horse owners just use the term structions for use on every product helps hand. Those pesky pests also interrupt “fly spray” when discussing the wide vari- ensure that you’re getting the most out of your horse’s turnout time. Biting bugs can ety of insect repellents on the market that your investment and that you are using leave unsightly welts. Excessive stomp- offer relief by keeping bugs at bay. Those the product properly. ing at flies can wear down your horse’s products are readily available, easy to Knowing what’s on the label and fol-

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-applying-REPELLENTS v3.indd 18 4/2/19 10:22 AM Knock biting insects out of your training routine.

Training in hot or humid conditions is an invitation for biting and nuisance ﬂies and mosquitoes. Kick them out with UltraShield® Sport. It stays with your horse through heavy workouts in the hottest, muggiest weather, stopping obnoxious insects from annoying everyone around them. Protect your partner.

Untitled-12 1 3/26/19 12:17 PM how many times it can be applied to the animal within a set time period.” Accidents or Misuse: The label also includes instructions for what to do if the product gets in a person’s eyes, on his or her clothing or is accidentally ingested. It typically includes basic first aid and an 800 number for medical emergencies. Storage and Disposal: Repellents are formulations of pesticides and other ingredients, such as coat conditioners, sunscreens and more. Storing the product in a space that is too hot or too cold affects the formulation and its effectiveness. Be- cause fly sprays are a blend of chemicals, there are specific instructions for getting To make the best rid of empty bottles and excess spray. use of any product, Environmental Hazards: When used read the label before properly, fly sprays are safe for use in applying. horses and ponies, and depending on the formulation, dogs or other livestock. However, they can be deadly to aquatic In general, horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight per day in forage. life or other species (such as bees). Read

ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST the environmental hazards section of the label to do your part in protecting the lowing the guidelines is also the law, said is best to apply it and store it according to environment. Sonja L. Swiger, an associate professor the label,” she said. Active Ingredients: This portion of the and veterinary/medical extension ento- product label outlines what’s actually mologist for Texas A&M University. What to Look For inside the bottle. For pesticide-based fly “As a pesticide user, you assume all A label includes several key areas that can sprays, permethrin, pyrethrins, tetra- rights when you use the product,” she tell you all you need to know about the methrin, cypermethrin and piperonyl said. “That means reading the label first insect repellent you’re using. Swiger ex- butoxide are among the most common to be sure you use it correctly.” plained what you can find on a label and insecticides used to control pests around Fly sprays are insecticides, a substance how to use the available information. the barn. All-natural products are likely to for killing insects. The United States Use Restrictions: This section of the include essential oils known for their re- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) product label tells you the limitations of pellent qualities. This can include thyme defines a pesticide as “any substance or using the product, and the wording varies oil, cedar oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary mixture of substances intended for pre- based on the ingredients in the formula- oil, citronella oil, geraniol, peppermint oil venting, destroying, repelling or mitigat- tion. For example, it might state that the and others. ing any pest.” product cannot be applied to animals of Signal Words: Words such as “caution,” When used properly, these products are a certain age. It will also tell you how it “warning” or “danger” are included on safe and effective at controlling pests. The should be used; for example, that it must all pesticides and indicate the level of product label provides guidelines that ex- be sprayed onto a surface in a mist. toxicity when used inappropriately. “Cau- plain proper handling and use so that the Instructions for Use: This includes tion” indicates the least harmful effects, products work as intended while limiting details on how to apply the product. For and “danger” indicates the most poison- risk to people or animals on the property. example, concentrated formulations need ous or irritating effects. For example, all “Their use can be restricted to certain to be diluted with water and give specific fly repellent bottles will say “WARNING: animals, certain application methods and details on how to do that. Other formula- Keep Out of Reach of Children.” the number of times they can be used on tions are ready for immediate application. an animal, so it’s important to read the In this section, you’ll also find informa- Take-Home Message label first to be sure you use it correctly,” tion about whether the repellent can be Fly sprays are a staple in any horse Swiger said. used as a wipe, a spray or both. owner’s grooming kit. When used prop- The details included on the packag- “The ‘for use’ section tells you the erly, they provide horses relief from the ing can seem overwhelming, but Swiger proper way to apply a repellent, and this annoying buzzing bugs, biting insects and emphasized the importance of reading can include distance from animal (during creepy crawlies that can spread disease. the label in its entirety. application) as well as site location on an To make the most of any fly spray, read “To get the best use out of a product, it animal,” Swiger said. “Plus it will tell you the label before applying. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-applying-REPELLENTS v3.indd 20 4/2/19 10:22 AM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FACING THE FACTS ABOUT FLY CONTROL

our horse’s head with larvae to your horse’s face them safely swat the flies away, out while not allowing flies is a vulnerable and eyes. Clearly, in addition to your horse is left to rub them in to irritate his eyes target during bug being an irritant, flies contribute away—potentially leading to • protecting sun-sensitive season. Flies are to eye infections and allergies. injury. eyes and skin (such as attracted to their Your horse’s ears are another Clearly, good fly control pink skin under white facial eyesY and nose for mucous- prime target. Gnats love to feed needs to extend to the face.The markings) from harmful membrane moisture and protein. there, leaving crusty scabs fly mask acts as a protective bar- rays—some designs come Since flies carry bacteria, they behind. rier against flies in these ways: with extended muzzles for can pass those bacteria along Plus, without hands to help • allowing your horse to see extra coverage

FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-FLYMASK v4_pc.indd 21 4/2/19 11:50 AM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

helps keep a human athlete dry and chafe-free, and it works the same way for your horse.

UV Blocking Sunlight includes rays of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can heat up your horse’s head under his mask, as well as lead to sunburn if not blocked. Now you can choose from masks that offer special, lightweight sun protection built right into the fabric weave, as well as coatings to block the bulk of those UV rays, helping keep your horse cool and protected.

Durability Some products trade comfort for quality and durability. You want a mask that resists snagging and will last you all season and beyond. Fly masks, like any other equine clothing article, are most likely to come apart where the fabrics are stressed the most— at the seams. Double stitching of seams provides a stronger join and helps to keep the fabric from fraying. It also provides a smoother finish to help prevent chafing in order to improve your horse’s comfort.

Comfort Speaking of comfort, take a moment to consider the edging of the mask. This is the most

ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST significant point of contact, typi- • if the mask has ear cover- changes that have taken place horse’s head soaked in sweat cally impacting around the ears, ings, keeping gnats out of your own athletic, fitness and when you remove many types under the jowl and around the the horse’s ears, which is sports apparel in the last few of fly masks. That’s because muzzle. Most masks use fleece, especially beneficial if you years, why wouldn’t you choose they trap the sweat in a virtual web or felt in these areas, all clip their ears a fly mask that gives your horse face sauna. Moisture-wicking with their pros and cons. Fleece But not all fly masks are cre- those same advantages? fabrics are important advances edging can cause the horse to ated equal. So how should you in equine fly masks. Instead sweat while attracting debris. choose? Moisture Wicking of absorbing sweat like other Web helps hold the mask to- When the sun is blazing, fabrics, the high-tech materials gether and doesn’t attract debris, Fabric ordinary fabrics heat up quickly. move it to the surface, where but can chafe. Felt, while thinner When you look around at all the That’s why you’ll notice your it evaporates. This innovation than fleece, still causes sweat.

FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-FLYMASK v4_pc.indd 22 4/2/19 11:50 AM Keep ﬂies out of their eyes.

Insects sipping out of your horse’s eyes is dangerous, irritating and disgusting. Keep faces cool, dry and comfortable with UltraShield® Fly Masks. With double-locking hook and loop closure and UV-blocking, two-way controlled stretch fabric, they stay on so bugs and sun damage stay out.

Protect your partner.

Untitled-8 1 3/26/19 10:56 AM Four Keys to SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Fly Mask Maintenance

A little TLC can keep your mask on the job longer. Here are Again, the same new fabric your horse’s sensitive nostrils some tips. technology available in the fly against nuisance flies. It’s also 1. Check: Look it over daily for stuck flies, rubs and tears. mask construction can now be a real must-have for horses with 2. Rinse: A dirty mask can block vision and even shed found in the edging. Choose white/pink noses that sunburn flecks of dirt into the horse’s eyes. A good splash with the hose masks that offer edging created easily, offering protection from or a dunk in a bucket is all you need for daily maintenance. with the same soft, lightweight UV rays. 3. Wash: Check the label before you wash a fly mask. Some performance fabric used to keep masks can be thrown into your washing machine or can be your horse cool and dry. This Insecticide washed by hand in a bucket of water with a squirt of mild dish style also helps with durabil- Treatments soap. Pay special attention to edging, scrubbing it between ity by protecting the seam and Some fly masks are treated with your fingers if needed. Always air-dry masks; never put them in preventing fraying. insecticides. Unfortunately, this a clothes dryer. treatment washes away long 4. Brush: Hook-and-loop closure straps can become Stick-To-It-ness before fly season is over, so this clogged with bits of dirt or hair, making them less “grippy.” Use Finally, your mask is only as “extra” might not be worth the your stiff grooming brush on dry closures to remove trapped good as its closure. Hook and money. Try wiping your regular particles and restore them. To help prevent closure clogs, keep loop, also known by the brand spray on the mask before putting the mask fastened, especially when washing. name Velcro®, is the most com- the mask on your horse for a mon type of mask fastener. Its more economical option. sticky design is inspired by the Then, with the mask fastened, couple of fingers’ width between cockleburs a Swiss engineer Mask Fit: Getting observe carefully from the front the mask edge and his throat- found stuck in his hunting dog’s It Just Right and sides to be sure it clears the latch. As with the muzzle, you fur. (He obviously didn’t have You might think that your horse’s eye when the horse’s head is should also be able to slide your any ShowSheen®.) mask needs to be super-snug lowered or raised. fingers easily between the edge The strength of the bond de- so that insects can’t creep under of the mask and the skin at the pends on how well the hooks are it, but that’s not the case. Flies Ears side of his head. In addition to embedded in the loops and how and insects that land on the Check to be sure the mask’s ear chafing and binding, a too-tight much surface area is in contact edge of the mask don’t try to slip coverings or holes are roomy throatlatch will cause the closure with the hooks. underneath it; instead, they just enough for the horse’s ears. If to come undone from the con- Horse mask closures come crawl up the outside. So, while the mask doesn’t fit well, it’s like- stant pulling. in single- and double-locking fly masks don’t need to fit tight to ly to leave rub marks. Stretchy, The design of fly masks styles. Double-locking basi- keep insects out, they do need soft fabric and covered seams with a stretchy fabric under the cally doubles the surface area, to fit right. can help avoid this, as well. muzzle and throatlatch area pro- doubling the strength of the A mask that is too loose vides just enough “give” to aid in closure while also protecting it will slide over the horse’s ears, Muzzle getting the right fit. Your horse’s from debris and from curious leaving your horse unprotected The mask’s lower edge needs halter size can also guide you in buddies who might pull it open. and leading to the fun game of to reach two to three fingers picking the correct fly mask size. Wider closures also increase the “find the fly mask” in your field. below the bottom of your horse’s surface area and the strength of However, if a mask is too tight, cheekbone. If the mask rests on A Small Investment the bond. it can rub your horse and cause the cheekbone, it can rub or cre- to Mask Against irritation. The key areas to fit ate a gap where bugs can get in. Bug Bother Ear Covers are the eyes, ears, muzzle and You should be able to adjust the Good fly masks not only prevent Horse fly masks are available throatlatch. closure so that you can easily bites and burns, but they also with or without ears covers. Ear slip a finger between the mask protect your horse against covers are a great way to protect Eyes and your horse with his head bug-borne infections and ears from gnats. But let’s face A fly mask becomes an ir- in normal position—or fit two diseases. And at a cost of just it: Some horses just don’t like ritant instead of a protector if fingers between the mask and $20-$30—the cost of two meals anything near their ears. it contacts the eyes or even the throatlatch. at your average horse show— just touches the eyelashes. an advanced fly mask with the Extended/ Structured darts help shape the Throatlatch latest fabric and fit technology Detachable Noses fabric around the eye. Just make This area can get uncomfort- is a bargain when it comes to An extended nose piece on your sure the widest part of the mask ably tight when your horse picks guarding your horse’s health and fly mask is ideal for protecting is located over your horse’s eye. his head up unless you allow a comfort.

FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-FLYMASK v4_pc.indd 24 4/2/19 11:50 AM Mosquitoes feeding on your horse can cause irritation and can also carry diseases. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST Life Cycles of External Pests

Understanding how and where insects breed and live can help you protect yourself and your horses.

By Nancy S. Loving, DVM

n the United States, just a handful flies, black flies, deer flies, horse flies, Most insects don’t live long, but they of insect species are responsible horn flies, bot flies, Culicoides midges and make up for their short life span by breed- for transmission of a number of ticks. ing quickly, with females laying lots of significant diseases. Understand- eggs. ing the life cycle of each pest The Life Cycles helpsI you get a handle on how to control Mosquitoes and most of the flies of Mosquitoes and manage these pests, particularly by concern undergo a life cycle referred to as Mosquitoes are prolific and one of the targeting specific habitats favorable to “complete metamorphosis” that transi- more noxious pests in the world. They breeding. tions the insect from egg to larvae to pupa carry fatal viral diseases besides being an The most prevalent of the insect pests to adult. The last larval stage enters into a incredibly annoying nuisance. that play a role in transmission of equine non-feeding pupal stage to later emerge as Some lay eggs on the surface of shal- disease are: mosquitoes, stable flies, house an adult insect. low, quiet water, with the eggs hatching

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-LIFECYCLE v6.indd 25 4/2/19 11:32 AM Horse Flies and Deer Flies Deer flies require aquatic habitats such as marshes, ponds and streams. Horse flies are more varied in their environmental needs for development, using freshwater and saltwater marshes, streams, moist forest soils or decomposing wood. Both of these large and very annoying flies lay up to 1,000 eggs per season on vegetation along pond or stream banks or in wetlands. Females of several species require a blood meal before they can reproduce. After two to three days, the eggs hatch and fall to the ground. Horse fly larvae are predators, nourishing themselves from decaying organic matter as well as other insect larvae and worms. Horse flies take one to three years to complete this part of their life cycles, while deer flies can complete their life cycles in a year. Once mature, the horse fly larvae move In general, horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight per day in forage. to dry areas to finish their development Knowing the life cycle over several weeks to emerge as adults. of a mosquito can Horse flies are the ultimate equine help you break that vampires. A USDA bulletin pointed out cycle and reduce the that each horse fly ingests 1 cc of blood number of insects on at each feeding. If 20-30 flies feed for

ISTOCK/LCOSMO your property. six hours, the horse loses 20 teaspoons, which over 10 days translates to a quart INSECT EGGS LAID LARVAL TIME PUPA TIME TIME FROM of blood! FROM HATCH EMERGING TO BREEDING Black Flies, aka Horse flies Up to 1,000 1–3 years 1–3 weeks Buffalo Gnats Black fly females require a blood meal for Deer flies Up to 1,000 1 year 1–3 weeks reproduction. They have a rapid life cycle Black flies Up to 500 1–6 months 1 week with up to 500 eggs laid on submerged House flies Up to 150/ 3–5 days 3–6 days 2–3 days vegetation located in flowing water. The batch eggs generally hatch in just four to five Stable flies Up to 800 13 days 14 days 3–5 days days. The larval stages remain attached to Midges Up to 150 2 weeks–1 year 2–3 days stationary objects for one to six months; Mosquitoes Pass through all Passstages through in 7-10 all days stages in 7–10 days the duration depends on temperature and food supply. within two to three days. This is called hatching process—eggs are laid on moist The pupal stage of a black fly takes just direct hatching. The eggs pass through substrates that once had standing water, a week. Then the fly emerges as an adult, the larval and pupal stages with adults but the eggs remain dormant for a time. which lives for two to three weeks. appearing within seven to 10 days. The The eggs need dryness for anywhere from timeframe for full development depends several days to several weeks, and they House Flies on the food supply, larval density and might remain viable for months to years. A female house fly can lay as many water temperature. Then, once immersed in water, they as 150 eggs in a batch, with five to six In late fall, female mosquitoes find hatch. batches laid in just a few days on damp, places to hide and overwinter in a dor- Disturbing the water within the week it dark surfaces. Manure, compost and de- mant state inside barns, stalls, buildings, takes for mosquitoes to hatch is important composing organic debris make favorable tree holes, culverts, etc. Once the weather for control. You can use mosquito dunks breeding sites. warms up, they emerge, take a blood meal in large water sources and establish drain- The eggs hatch quickly, within a day, and lay eggs to renew the cycle. age of water from smaller areas. Aerators and the larvae feed off the debris for three Other mosquitoes go through a delayed in ponds are also useful. to five days. Then they pupate for three to

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-LIFECYCLE v6.indd 26 4/2/19 4:11 PM DAWN DAILEY O’BRIEN,DAWN CORNELL UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG Above is the black horse ﬂy larvae, and below is the adult black horse ﬂy.

Here you can see how mosquito larvae live in your water tanks. WARD UPHAM, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY, WARD UPHAM, KANSAS STATE BUGWOOD.ORG ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST

six days to emerge into a full-grown house on a horse’s hair, especially on the legs, are poor fliers, they don’t tend to disperse fly, which can then start to reproduce shoulders, lips and throat area. As a horse more than one-half to 1 mile from where within two to three days. grooms itself, the eggs make their way they developed. into the mouth, where they hatch into Life span of midges ranges from 20-90 Stable Flies larvae to develop for several weeks. Once days depending on temperature condi- Stable flies flourish in moist, decaying swallowed, they attach to the stomach tions. During that time, females lay organic material. Even though a female lining for about 10 months. Then they several egg masses. stable fly only lives seven to 10 days, she detach from the stomach and are passed can lay up to 800 eggs. Each clutch of through the intestines into the feces. The Ticks eggs laid by the female requires a blood larvae burrow into the ground to continue Ticks usually undergo four developmental meal. their development. They emerge as adult stages: egg, six-legged larva, nymph and The eggs hatch within 24 hours; the flies in three to 10 weeks to restart the adult. Many ticks, such as the American larvae feed and mature over about 13 cycle. dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), require days, then they pupate. The entire life multiple hosts to achieve full develop- cycle takes two to four weeks, with most Biting Midges (Culicoides) ment. For example, the egg hatches into taking 28 days. Another insect that prefers a moist habitat a larva, which feeds off a mammal host Once emerged as an adult stable fly, for development is a midge. Up to 150 then falls to the ground. There it molts to the female can mate within three to five eggs are laid on a moist surface such as a nymph, which finds and attaches to a days and lay eggs five to eight days after saturated wood, marshes and bogs, or in second mammal host. emergence. water. They hatch within a week. Habitat Once the nymph has finished feeding, preference is for damp, muddy areas, the nymph drops to the ground to molt Horn Flies feces or decomposing vegetation. into an adult, which finds and attaches to Horn flies need cow manure in which to Larvae develop over two weeks to a third mammal host to feed, mate and lay eggs. Their full life cycle takes 10-20 a year, depending on the species. The drop again to the ground. Females lay days. They only live about three weeks, pupal stage takes two to three days, then their 3,000-8,000 eggs in the soil. during which time they feed 20-30 times the adult emerges. Females need a blood Ticks flourish in moist woodlands, veg- a day. meal to develop eggs. They feed on birds, etation and leaf litter around forest edges reptiles and mammals. and grassy fields. Ticks can live up to two Bot Flies (Gastrophilus. spp) Culicoides begin feeding at dusk and years, lying dormant (diapause) as eggs or Each female bot fly lays 500-1,000 eggs continue through the night. Because they nymphs in the soil.

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-LIFECYCLE v6.indd 27 4/2/19 11:33 AM horse immediately upon finishing up a ride. Look in all the soft tissue areas on your horse—the udder, sheath, around the anus, behind the ears, and under the chin and throat. Check your horse all over. Before a tick fills itself with blood, it might be hard to see because some are so small. As for yourself, remove your clothes and leave them outside or launder them immediately—at the very least, run them through a drying cycle. Go over yourself carefully or have a friend check areas you can’t examine yourself, including your head. There’s nothing more horrifying than finding a tick on yourself that is filled with blood, meaning it has been there for a while. Mosquitoes are attracted to scents and perfumes that are found in lotions and laundry detergent. Wear light clothing, as that tends to be less of an attractant. In addition, the latest research suggests that

E FRENCH, GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG zebra-striped flysheets or blankets might Above is a horse ﬂy, which can can ingest 1 cc of help deter flies from landing on your blood at each feeding. horse. Use permethrin or pyrethroid insect At left is a black ﬂy or a buffalo gnat. repellents to protect your horses, and use DEET or picaridin on yourself and/or they take a blood meal. your clothing. You can also spray your In many cases, a tick must feed for at clothing with pyrethroid products. least 24 hours to be able to transmit a Remove and compost manure as pathogen. While some ticks can spread frequently as possible to eliminate it as a disease quickly, others take 48 hours or so breeding site. Eliminate as many water- of being attached to a host before infect- holding vessels as possible from your ing that host with disease. property; these could otherwise serve as a breeding habitat. DARREN BLACKFORD, USDA FOREST SERVICE, BUGWOOD.ORG Using This Information Clean out gutters, keep water tanks Warming weather in spring that moves Once you know about the preferred habi- clean and fresh, and establish good temperatures above freezing brings them tat of the pests that can inconvenience drainage around barns, water tanks and out of their dormancy. Nymphs crawl you or your horses, it then becomes easier parking areas to avoid shallow impres- up grass blades or along tree branches to to work on environmental control mea- sions in mud where mosquitoes and other wait until a potential warm-blooded host sures to minimize infestations. moisture-loving insects like to breed. comes by. That could be you, atop your Tick season for many species tends to Use dunks in large water sources. horse; it could be your horse; or it could coincide with warming weather. This is Mow grasses around the property; spray be any number of other woodland or also the time of year when you are out periodically with permethrin/pyrethrin grassland mammals or birds. and about with your horses in fields and products. Spray insecticide in crevices Mammals that ticks prefer include forests, where ticks abound. in the barn where mosquitoes and other mice, deer, squirrels, rabbits, livestock (in- Warm weather days with temperatures insects might hide to overwinter. cluding horses), dogs, cats and humans. above 32 degrees Fahrenheit occur even With a little bit of thought and some Some ticks prefer birds or even cold- in the winter, so tick season can last all sensible effort, you can help mitigate blooded amphibians or reptiles. year. If the weather gets warm enough, the impact of insects on your property. Some ticks go through all their life unhatched eggs might hatch and nymphs Mitigation efforts are beneficial for their stages on a single host, only leaving the might make awaken from dormancy, even protective effects on horse and human host to lay eggs. Some ticks are so tiny if just for a short while. It is smart to be health and also making your horse more that they are difficult to see—some are no vigilant year-round in regard to ticks. comfortable with fewer insects harassing bigger than a poppy or sesame seed before You’ll want to check yourself and your him. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-LIFECYCLE v6.indd 28 4/2/19 11:34 AM You can use good management techniques to reduce the number of insects on your property and around your horses. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOS ARND BRONKHORST Farm Management to Reduce Insect Numbers

There are many things farm owners and managers can do to reduce the population of pests on their properties.

By Kimberly S. Brown

ector-borne diseses glob- One of the important ways we can ally account for more than reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases is 17% of all human infec- to manage the property on which horses tious diseases, causing live with an eye to decreasing the condi- more than 700,000 human tions that insects and ticks find suitable. deathsV annually, according to the World Let’s face it: If the vectors don’t come Health Organization. While there is no in contact with the horses as often, the known number for equine disease cases disease risk is greatly diminished. and deaths caused by vectors (insects or A study from the University of Florida ticks), we know the risk is real. Therefore, about pest control on horse farms noted: it behooves us as owners and managers “Many equine property owners have in- of horse properties and multiple equids sufficient knowledge of the identification,

to ensure we are doing everything we can ISTOCK/IOMORGAN biology and presence of filth fly pests on to prevent the spread of disease to our Horses in wooded or weedy areas are more likely their properties, which is required to de- horses via insects and ticks. to come in contact with disease-carrying pests. velop successful integrated pest manage-

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-FARMMANAG v3.indd 29 4/2/19 11:06 AM Using fans and ﬂy spray can help deter pests from feeding on your stabled horses. ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST

reduce the habitats of disease-spreading picked up the piles from the pastures and vectors and reduce the incidence of “pests dry lots, you have to compost the manure meeting horses.” Also keep in mind that or dispose of it. If you don’t, it is just as mice and wildlife are hosts for ticks, so bad—or worse—than when it was dotting trying to reduce the number of deer and the landscape. mice on your property will help reduce According to information on eXten- the tick population. sion.org, the “average 1,000-pound horse Unfortunately, sometimes the pests are will produce approximately 50 pounds of coming onto your property from adjacent manure each day. That totals to about 8.5 land. Sometimes the land is fallow and tons per year.” So the smaller your prop- is home to deer, mice and an abundance erty, the more important “poop patrol” is of brush and weeds, making it the perfect to your horse’s health. haven for pest development. Other times You can discuss manure management there are horses or cattle on adjacent strategies with your county extension

ARND BRONKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ARND BRONKHORST properties where perhaps the environment agent and come up with a plan that you Eliminating horse manure is a great way to is not managed as well as your property. can put in place to help combat flies. reduce the number of breeding sites for pests. That means manure, weeds and standing water are perfect breeding grounds for Eliminate Standing Water ment programs. They continue to rely on disease vectors that can easily cross onto According to the University of Illinois, insecticides because they lack adequate your property and affect your horses. mosquitoes can reproduce in as little as understanding of available alternatives. Since you can’t manage your neighbor’s two tablespoons of water. Under ideal Although a comprehensive understanding property, you have to take those challeng- breeding conditions, that small amount of of integrated pest management practices es into consideration when developing water only needs to exist for a mere five was not demonstrated by respondents, your own pest management program. days for adult mosquitoes to develop. a willingness to protect themselves and What that tells you is that it is nearly their animals was apparent.” Manure Management impossible to eliminate all mosquito So, while insecticides are the first tools If horse manure is part of the life cycle breeding habitats—but you can dramati- upon which horse folks rely, there are oth- of many “filth” flies that carry disease to cally reduce them. Also understand that er things you can do to reduce the number horses, then logically, good manure man- once female mosquitoes lay eggs in and of insects on your property and better agement is an important part of prevent- around standing water, the eggs become protect your horses—and yourselves. ing disease spread on your property. fairly resistant to drying out, even when But we all know that going out and the water evaporates or is removed. Pasture Management picking up every pile of poop produced Therefore, even if you have done a Cutting back brush, weeds and hanging each day is a difficult, time-consuming fabulous job of reducing the amount tree limbs from pastures is one way to and expensive chore. Then, once you have of standing water in and around your

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-FARMMANAG v3.indd 30 4/2/19 11:07 AM Far left: Better manure management might mean hauling away muck piles more frequently.

Left: Clean water troughs regularly to reduce mosquito populations. ARND BRNKHORST PHOTOGRAPHY ISTOCK/JRLPHOTOGRAPHER

facility, when it rains again (or you water become aware of areas that could hold screens on stalls to reduce mosquito entry. the arena, or someone tosses out an- standing water and allow mosquitoes to Use fans over the horses to help deter other bucket of water, etc.), the eggs can breed. Those might include: mosquitoes, which don’t fly well at higher become wet and produce the next crop of • trash around the property wind velocities. adult mosquitoes fairly quickly. • water tanks that aren’t cleaned You should avoid using lights inside the According to the Centers for Disease regularly stable at night whenever possible since Control (CDC), the species of mosquito • old tires/junk piles mosquitoes are attracted to light. The use Aedes aegypti is known as a “container- • flower pots and bird baths of electric bug “zappers” has been de- breeding mosquito” because it likes to lay • stagnant creeks or ponds bated. These devices will draw insects, but eggs in and around standing water, espe- • gutters on buildings if you are using them near your horses, cially preferring man-made containers. Simple ways to avoid standing water you could be increasing the population of This mosquito can carry equine diseases around your property include cleaning insects that don’t get “zapped” but that do such as West Nile virus and the diseases up trash (remember, two tablespoons of get to feed on your animals. that cause encephalitides (or brain swell- water is all that is needed for mosquitoes ing). The cause of the brain swelling is to breed) and cleaning out clogged roof Premise Sprays usually an arbovirus infection (such as gutters. Remember to turn over wheelbar- Some areas have intense insect popula- West Nile virus [WNV] or Eastern equine rows when not in use and clean livestock tions during specific seasons. The use of a encephalitis [EEE]) that is transmitted by watering troughs at least monthly. permethrin-based premise spray can help the bite of an infected mosquito. When it is not possible to eliminate mitigate that problem. You might have an The female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay some breeding sites, you should try to automatic insecticide fogging system in eggs on the walls of water-filled contain- control mosquito populations through your stable, or you can use a hand-held ers. The eggs stick to containers like the use of larvicides and, under special sprayer to cover areas outside of the barn. glue and remain attached until they are circumstances, adulticides. Such action But be careful to stay away from aquatic scrubbed off. The eggs can survive for up should only be taken, however, in con- habitats and bee areas and from areas to eight months after the water dries up. sultation with your local county exten- where you spread predator wasps. When it rains or water covers the eggs sion agent or university specialist. If the Other ways to reduce the number of again, they hatch and become adults in application of such preparations is not ad- insects around your buildings include ap- about a week. visable, you can use a species of fish that plying residual insecticides to barn walls, In 2016, the CDC reported that 47 feed on mosquito larvae in places such as ceilings and rafters to minimize overwin- states and the District of Columbia (DC) horse water tanks. tering of insects. Use different chemicals had 2,240 cases of arboviral disease in Weekly applications of mosquito dunks throughout the insect season to minimize humans, including 2,150 WNV cases. containing Bacillus thuringiensis sub. israel- development of resistance by house flies, While there is no definitive informa- ensis (BTI) or Bacillus sphaericus (BS) help horn flies and stable flies. tion on the number of equine West control mosquito larvae in larger bodies Nile virus cases there were in 2018, the of standing water, such as water troughs Take-Home Message Equine Disease Communication Center and ponds. The use of insecticides on horses and had reports of positive cases in 38 of the around facilities can help reduce the contiguous United States. Many of those Building Management number of insects feeding on your horses states had multiple cases reported. There There are many management practices and spreading disease. As a farm or stable is no official estimate of how many cases that can help protect horses from insects. manager, you should also work to reduce go unreported in equids each year. Keep horses indoors during peak mos- manure and water sources that allow Farm owners and managers should quito activity times (dusk to dawn). Put insects to develop. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-FARMMANAG v3.indd 31 4/2/19 11:07 AM animals, such as dogs. For example, a spray might be approved for daily application on horses but only be suitable for weekly or monthly use on dogs. Read the instructions to find out how to apply the repellent to the dog and in what quantities. A horse’s coat is not as dense as a dog’s. Simply misting the spray onto the horse’s body is usually sufficient, whereas on a dog, you might have to apply against the natural lay of the hair. As with horses, you don’t want the repellent spray to get into your dog’s eyes, nose or mouth. Shielding his eyes while spraying and using a damp cloth to apply repellent as a wipe around the face are important. Typically, repellents for both species are permethrin-based insecticides or a formulation that has a natural base. “Both will be equally safe, and maybe most are labeled for both species,” Swiger said. “Again, the big difference would be ISTOCK/BOX5 knowing the appropriate dosage/treatment for each species.” Treating the dog directly is the most effect method of control, Swiger said. Don’t Forget When it comes to dog beds in the kennel or the dog’s living space in barn, Swiger recommended against treating the bedding with chemicals. the Dogs “We recommend washing a dog’s bedding in hot water or buying new,” she said. “When it comes to fly control, treating the animal (the host) is much more effective than treating the bedding.” Some equine fly sprays can also be The same is true for keeping mosqui- used on dogs. Learn how to determine toes away from your dog. For products that are labeled for use in which products can serve double duty a bedding area, follow the label instructions. Treating the premises of the dog’s around your barn. area such as baseboards, windows, doorways and localized areas of the floor can kill insects such as carpenter bees, By Katie Navarra cockroaches and other pests. Read the label closely for instructions on how much hen your dog ac- But before you spray, read the label to spray to use and how to apply it for best companies you to make sure it’s approved for use in dogs. effectiveness. the barn or has his “A product labeled for one animal might If you’re giving your dog feed-through living quarters in not be labeled for another,” said Sonja L. or topical insect repellents to control ticks the stable, he is as Swiger, an associate professor and veteri- and other pests, talk with your veterinar- Wlikely to be bothered by insects as your nary/medical extension entomologist for ian about your intention to use a spray-on horse. Spray repellents help keep bother- Texas A&M University. “Misuse or mis- product. More isn’t always better. some flies, ticks, mosquitoes and biting dosage could be harmful or even fatal.” The next time you’re shopping for a re- no-see-ums at bay. And depending on the Since horses are larger animals, a fly repellent, read the label to see if one product product, one spray might safely protect pellent can be applied more often or at a will serve all your needs and to be sure both your horse and your dog. higher rate than is appropriate for smaller you’re using the product correctly. SM

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FINAL SM-SPRING_2019-DOGS v2.indd 32 4/2/19 10:43 AM Untitled-11 1 3/26/19 11:15 AM Untitled-7 1 3/26/19 10:52 AM