Climate change fuels fly threat to horses

Warmer weather speeds up the life cycles of some of the fly species that irritate horses and riders over the summer months and scientists say we can expect earlier, more prolonged attacks from greater numbers of flies.

Dr Peter Bates, senior entomologist with the VLA, says the multi-generation flies that plague us during the summer months simply aren't being killed off over the winter.

"The last two summers have been hot and we've had precious few frosts during the winter months. Some multi-generation flies over-winter under the soil surface and frosts really have to be deep and last continuously for over five days to kill them off. Without a cold winter, you can expect to see more flies early in the summer with the knock-on effect of higher populations longer and later in the season".

Against this background, vets are advising horse owners to turn only to proven, licensed insecticides and fly repellents in order to keep themselves and their mount sane over the summer months.

"Horse owners clearly need proven, safe and efficacious products they can rely on and the only licensed citronellol-based insecticide product available is Coopers Fly Repellent Plus," points out Schering-Plough veterinary adviser Paul Williams MRCVS.

"Fly Repellent Plus is a ready-to-use, topical application that will both repel and kill biting and other flies on horses. It can also help control biting louse infestations and sweet itch – a condition believed to be caused by the midge Culicoides pulicaris".

Paul Williams says that Fly Repellent Plus should be applied shortly before working the horse or when flies are troublesome. A treatment will normally give two to four days relief from fly attack, but longer or shorter protection may occur depending on the climatic conditions, the prevailing fly species and the intensity of fly worry.