As a horse owner, ensuring the health and well-being of your equine companion is a top priority. One of the significant threats to horses in the USA is insect-borne diseases. Understanding these diseases and the insects that transmit them is crucial in taking preventive measures to protect your horse. In this blog, we’ll explore some common insect-borne diseases that affect horses in the USA and provide a solution to help safeguard your horse.

1. West Nile Virus (WNV)

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe neurological symptoms in horses, including fever, ataxia (loss of coordination), and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis or death. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds and then transmit the virus to horses and humans through their bites.

2. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is another mosquito-borne viral disease that affects horses, as well as humans and birds. Symptoms in horses include fever, depression, loss of appetite, and neurological signs such as circling, seizures, and blindness. EEE has a high fatality rate in horses, making prevention crucial.

3. Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE)

Western Equine Encephalitis is similar to EEE but is generally less severe. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause fever, lethargy, and neurological signs in horses. While less common than EEE, it is still a significant threat, especially in the western regions of the USA.

4. Vesicular Stomatitis (VS)

Vesicular Stomatitis is transmitted by black flies, sand flies, and midges. This disease causes blister-like lesions in and around the mouth, nostrils, teats, and hooves of infected horses. These lesions can lead to lameness and difficulty eating. VS is highly contagious and can also affect cattle and pigs.

5. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

Equine Infectious Anemia is spread primarily by horseflies and deerflies. Horses infected with EIA may exhibit fever, anemia, swelling, and weight loss. There is no cure for EIA, and infected horses often need to be quarantined or euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.

6. Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by black-legged ticks (deer ticks). Horses with Lyme Disease may show signs such as lameness, stiffness, fever, and behavioral changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage this disease effectively.

Protecting Your Horse

Preventing insect-borne diseases involves a multi-faceted approach, including vaccination, regular health checks, and environmental management. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of these diseases is to minimize your horse’s exposure to the insects that transmit them.
UltraShield® EX Insecticide & Repellent

To help protect your horse, consider using UltraShield® EX Insecticide & Repellent by Absorbine. This powerful formula provides:

• Extended Protection: UltraShield® EX offers long-lasting protection against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, black flies, horseflies, and deerflies.
• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: It is effective against more than 70 species of insects, ensuring comprehensive protection for your horse.
• Weather Resistance: The water-resistant formula ensures continuous protection, even in wet conditions.
• Ease of Use: The easy-to-apply spray makes it convenient to use regularly as part of your horse’s grooming routine.

Using UltraShield® EX Insecticide & Repellent, combined with good stable management practices and regular veterinary care, can significantly reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, keeping your horse healthy and happy.