Barb Crabbe, DVM, discusses the three main threats mosquitoes pose to horses:
- Eastern equine encephalomyelitis
- Western equine encephalomyelitis
- West Nile virus
These diseases are part of five diseases recommended for annual vaccinations from the AAEP core vaccination guidelines. The others are rabies and tetanus.
Source: Horse and Rider, April 2016, pages 52-59. (direct link unavailable)
Controlling mosquitos is an important part of protecting horses. Vaccination is effective, but no vaccine is perfect. Improve mosquito control with these ten steps:
- Eliminate standing water
- Clean troughs and buckets
- Invite predators
- Mow weeds around ponds or streams
- Install and run barn fans
- Consider screens on doors and windows
- Choose lighting carefully
- Apply repellants
- Consider larvicides
- Avoid turning out or riding at dawn or dusk.
INSIGHTS: Consider using this article in clinic newsletters or blogs. Retailers can order copies to share with customers shopping for mosquito and fly remedies.