Summer Sores
After 40 years there has been a re-emergence of summer sores. These sores, caused by the equine stomach worm Habronema, do not heal and often have proud flesh. Summer sores can develop in an open wound, in the pink tissue in the corners of the eyes, the corners of the mouth, or in the end of the penis. Eye tissues when affected enlarge and develop granules in them.
The Roll of the House Fly
Horses are infected with stomach worms by ingesting dead Habronema carrier flies in the feed or water bucket. When the larva becomes an adult worm in the horse’s stomach in 8 weeks, the horse will pass Habronema eggs in the manure. Common house flies lay eggs on the infected manure, turn into maggots that feed on the manure, and ingest the stomach worm larvae. The larva remains in the stomach of the maggot when it emerges as a fly, making it a carrier of the Habronema. When the flies gather on the horse, they feed and deposit the larvae. Summer sores develop when there is a major fly problem on the premise. Flies multiply daily in manure. A manure pile located near the barn will soon become a nuisance.
Treatment
There is a parasitic resistance to Ivermectin wormer due to overuse. Moxidectin (Quest) is still effective as a dewormer against the Habronema and is used for horses with summer sores. Ivermectin can used as treatment when injected into the sore, and use of topical medications.
Prevention and Fly Control
Prevention of summer sores is by covering wounds with a bandage, or applying fly repellant liquids or ointments (Swat) to keep flies off. Using a fly mask 24/7 will help protect the horse’s eyes. Solitude (cyromazine) feed additive or Zesterra Equine R&G (Raybon/garlic) lick tubs contain insect growth regulators. When consumed they pass thru the horse to prevent the fly maggots hatched in the manure from developing into adult flies. Both products are very effective if given to all horses in the area. Practice sanitation by removing the manure away from the barn to help decrease flies. Make a compost pile and cover it with a tarp to prevent flies from laying eggs in the manure. Around the stable use fly traps or bait and spray the barn with insecticide. For best results begin fly control measures in the spring before they are a problem.
Gnats
Gnats are terrible right now. They are in your face and on your horse’s. The gnats also feed on the horse’s belly, sheath, ears, mane and tail head. Use Swat fly repellent ointment on these areas on your horse, am and pm when you feed. Avon Skin so Soft (diluted 1/3 SSS to 2/3 water) or Repel pump spray with 40% Deet (WalMart) work to repel the biting gnats and small black flies. They work best when applied to the ears, mane and tail at dusk and dawn. Fly sprays do not work. The Zesterra Equine Garlic lick tub helps keep gnats and flies off with its onion, garlic oil and orange ingredients. To buy locally, Tom Bean Feed carries Zesterra blocks, and TSC carries a similar product.
Castrations Signs: October 1-4, and October 27-31.
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