Companion Animal Welfare

Companion Horse: Fly Control Summer Welfare

Summer fly burden causes significant welfare harm to horses through biting, irritation, and disease transmission, requiring integrated fly management.

Key Facts

Multiple fly species affect horses including stable flies, horse flies, face flies, and bot flies
Fly worry causes horses to stamp, swish tails, and bunch together, reducing grazing efficiency
Bot flies lay eggs on horse legs that are subsequently ingested, developing in the stomach
Fly sheets, masks, and repellents reduce burden but cannot eliminate flies in pasture
Manure management including rapid removal reduces fly breeding near stables

Welfare Considerations

Fly burden causes continuous irritation and stress during summer months that significantly impairs welfare. Horses cannot retreat from fly pressure in open pastures and constant stamping is tiring. The irritation causes behavioural changes including reduced grazing and increased activity that affects body condition. Integrated fly management combining environmental control, repellents, and protective equipment reduces welfare harm from this ubiquitous summer problem.

What You Can Do

Implement rapid manure removal from stabling areas to reduce fly breeding
Use fly sheets and masks for horses with high fly sensitivity
Apply veterinary-recommended repellents to exposed areas
Provide shade where horses can seek refuge from intense fly pressure
Use fly traps around stabling areas to reduce local fly populations