Summer sores are skin lesions in horses mostly seen during hot summer months when flies are active. The sores are a parasitic infection caused by specific types of nematodes in the family Habronematidae (roundworms). Flies play a primary role in the life cycle of Haronematidae worms, depositing the infective nematode larvae in the body, typically in moist regions such as lips, eyes, genital mucosa or skin wounds.
The subject of two articles linked below, Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, presents summer sores in detail. She advocates for early interventions if a sore develops and the importance of comprehensive fly control systems and deworming programs based on fecal egg counts.
Sources: The Horse, April 19, 2024.
- Summer sores in horses: causes, clinical signs, and diagnostics. Link.
- How to treat and prevent summer sores in horses. Link.
INSIGHTS: Consider using these articles to support the importance of fly control, manure management, protecting wounds and getting treatment as soon as possible. Share the articles with your own comments on social media and in newsletters.