Nov2010_HORSES WET SEASON WOES
Millions of midges have arrived with the early wet season around Queensland and for horses, this is likely to be a most irritating affair.
Biosecurity Queensland officer Stacey Wilson said horse owners should be aware of potential problems and the best treatments for their animals.
“Horses commonly have an allergic reaction to midge bites and this can lead to the very uncomfortable condition of ‘Queensland Itch’,” Ms Wilson said.
“They get intense itchiness on the mane, tail, face, ears and back, and this can cause biting, rubbing, hair loss and a change in temperament.
Horses can also be too busy scratching to eat properly and can lose condition, even in a paddock full of good feed.”
Ms Wilson said horse owners should check their animals regularly to ensure they were healthy and comfortable.
“Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, owners have a duty of care to their animals, including treating infection or injury,” she said.
“If horses can’t be stabled and rugged at night, or moved from the midge infested area, they should be treated regularly with an insect repellent or insecticidal product.
Topical creams with anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat midge bites but if infection has set in, a veterinarian should be contacted to provide treatment.”
Ms Wilson said horses could also get serious eye infections from rubbing bites on their faces or getting contaminants such as grass seed in their eyes.
“Eye infection can lead to blindness and if owners find their horses eyes are watery, weepy or discoloured a veterinarian should be contacted immediately,” she said.
“Fly veils for the horses’ face are a good investment while midges and flies are abundant.”
Ms Wilson said horses should have a yearly check up done by a veterinarian with an emphasis on hooves, teeth and vaccinations.
“Older horses may be more susceptible to overgrown hooves and teeth problems and can lose condition quickly,” she said.
“All horses, regardless of age, should be up to date with worming and vaccinations, in particular tetanus and strangles.”
For more horse health information contact a vet or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au .
“Horses commonly have an allergic reaction to midge bites and this can lead to the very uncomfortable condition of ‘Queensland Itch’,” Ms Wilson said.
“They get intense itchiness on the mane, tail, face, ears and back, and this can cause biting, rubbing, hair loss and a change in temperament.
Horses can also be too busy scratching to eat properly and can lose condition, even in a paddock full of good feed.”
Ms Wilson said horse owners should check their animals regularly to ensure they were healthy and comfortable.
“Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, owners have a duty of care to their animals, including treating infection or injury,” she said.
“If horses can’t be stabled and rugged at night, or moved from the midge infested area, they should be treated regularly with an insect repellent or insecticidal product.
Topical creams with anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat midge bites but if infection has set in, a veterinarian should be contacted to provide treatment.”
Ms Wilson said horses could also get serious eye infections from rubbing bites on their faces or getting contaminants such as grass seed in their eyes.
“Eye infection can lead to blindness and if owners find their horses eyes are watery, weepy or discoloured a veterinarian should be contacted immediately,” she said.
“Fly veils for the horses’ face are a good investment while midges and flies are abundant.”
Ms Wilson said horses should have a yearly check up done by a veterinarian with an emphasis on hooves, teeth and vaccinations.
“Older horses may be more susceptible to overgrown hooves and teeth problems and can lose condition quickly,” she said.
“All horses, regardless of age, should be up to date with worming and vaccinations, in particular tetanus and strangles.”
For more horse health information contact a vet or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au .
