Mosquitoes and Horses
It's no secret that mosquitoes thrive here in central Florida.
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From March to November we know these harmful pests take the fun out of grilling, gardening, outdoor play, and just plain relaxing for humans. But for horses these tiny insects can cause a very serious problem for a 1,000 horse. Protecting horses from mosquitoes is especially important considering there are four different mosquito-borne viruses that can devastate the horse brain:
1. Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)
2. Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE)
3. Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE)
4. West Nile Virus (WNV)
There’s been a huge jump in West Nile Virus alone since 2000, when the first case was identified in the northeastern United States. It took only two years for the virus to make its way across the contiguous 48 mainland states. There are vaccines that are quite effective in preventing infection by any of the major mosquito-borne equine diseases. In addition to vaccines, however, there are techniques that horse owners can utilize that help to limit mosquito breeding grounds:
• Stagnant Water:
It may seem like we’ve heard this one before, but it’s always the most important. The first step in effective mosquito control is always draining and eliminating standing or stagnant water. If the horses are hydrating through a watering pond or trough, it is important to ensure those drinking sources are properly flushed and kept clear of weeds and overgrowth.
• The Stable Area:
The stable area is where horses are most sedentary and susceptible to mosquito bites. Ensure damp vegetation is removed and that any areas of standing water are flushed out or filled in. Stable and barn mosquito control is especially important considering this is where the animals spend most of their time.
• Circulate Air:
Stagnant air can be just as dangerous as stagnant water. Unmoving air traps moisture and pleasing mosquito scents like manure and garbage. Try installing fans throughout the barn or stable to keep mosquitoes on the move.
• Pasture Turnout:
Evening pasture turnout is especially popular in the warmer months. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Avoid nighttime pasture turnout whenever possible, especially in areas that are near water sources.
• Pasture Irrigation:
Be sure to drain the pasture of any excess water within 24 hours of an irrigation. Doing this ensures scalding and weeds are reduced. Ensure that slopes are graded for proper drainage. A drainage ditch at the lower end can also reduce unwanted standing water spots. Beyond the seemingly simple act of a mosquito transmitting a deadly virus, effective horse farm mosquito control prevents these majestic animals from damaging themselves and the property. Horses have been known to react violently to mosquito swarms. Some swarms can get large enough to cause a horse to quite literally barrel right through pasture fences. Hoof damage can also result from horses continually stomping the earth in response to flies and mosquitoes. Both colic and disrupted feeding habits remain a danger in the presence of incessant mosquito swarms.
Mosquitoes and Livestock
While it is true that horses and wild birds are most at risk from mosquitoes, livestock such as cattle and chickens are also vulnerable. Mosquito attacks can cause loss of weight and decreased milk production. Animals gathered in one area, perhaps around a body of water, provide fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fogging is a great application process to cover large pastures or ponds.
AFS uses a proprietary blend of insecticides and insect growth regulator (IGR) to disrupt the life cycle of the mosquitos in these breeding areas.