Dealing with Ticks

Ticks are not only unsightly, they also can transmit infectious diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and piroplasmosis to horses. Severe infestations can cause skin irritations and even anemia (a decrease of healthy red blood cells).
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Ticks are not only unsightly, they also can transmit infectious diseases such as ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and piroplasmosis to horses. Severe infestations can cause skin irritations and even anemia (a decrease in number of healthy red blood cells).

Ticks spend most of their lives on the ground in areas with some shade and humidity and congregate along trails, in overgrown areas, and in margins of wood openings. Direct sunlight and low humidity are their enemies. Keeping brush cut back and clipping pastures will make areas inhospitable for ticks. 

Repellents and insecticides containing  permethrin or cypermethrin will provide horses with several hours of tick protection. These insecticides are very irritating to ticks, so the insects tend to drop off before attaching to the horse. Products based on natural ingredients, such as botanical oils, might give some protection for short periods of time. 

Thoroughly check horses for ticks (especially on the lower legs and mane) when grooming. Relatively large American dog ticks are easy to find, but smaller ticks can be overlooked. A final insecticide/repellant application before turning out the horse will help to dislodge any missed ticks

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