Tackling flies and sweet itch

By Justine Thompson

Seasonal guides

09 March 2010 11:45

Spring preparation can help keep fly numbers under control in the seasons ahead.

“The muck heap is a major fly breeding ground, so cover it with a plastic sheet to increase the muck heap temperature,” suggests Your Horse vet Gil Riley.

“This kills the developing fly larvae, thus decreasing adult fly numbers.”

Gil also recommends emptying any water lying undisturbed in old buckets or troughs, and attempting to drain any stagnant ditches in fields where horses graze.

Stock up on repellents, and consider a mask or fly sheet if your horse is particularly troubled by fly bites. Fly worrying is sometimes thought to trigger headshaking, but this condition has also been attributed to teeth, tack or ear problems, sensitivity to light or allergic rhinitis.

Ask your vet to investigate underlying causes and suggest an appropriate treatment.

Dealing with sweet itch

A horse who suffers from sweet itch can find spring a troublesome time. As the culicoides midges prepare to do battle, the horse will soon find himself scratching madly – usually at the top of his mane and tail – to relieve the itching caused by an allergic reaction to the bites.

Your vet should be able to advise you on a suitable strategy for the season ahead, but further help is at hand from the National Sweet Itch Helpline. Log on to www.sweet-itch.co.uk for information about the symptoms, causes and management of the disease.

You’ll also find details on the website of the Boett Sweet Itch Blanket, said to offer unrivalled protection to horses and ponies suffering from an insect-bite allergy, plus shampoos, sprays and ointments to thwart the midges’ attacks.