Summer sores

Summer sores or Habronemiasis is a seasonal skin condition in horses caused by the larvae of certain species of parasitic worms. The condition is most common in tropical and subtropical climates during the warmer months, hence the name "summer sores".

Causes

Summer sores are caused by the larvae of three species of parasitic worms: Habronema muscae, Habronema majus, and Draschia megastoma. These parasites are typically transmitted by house flies and stable flies, which deposit the larvae on the horse's skin. The larvae then penetrate the skin and cause an inflammatory reaction.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of summer sores is the development of raw, weeping sores on the horse's skin. These sores can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the legs, belly, and around the eyes and mouth. The sores are often very itchy and the horse may scratch or bite at them, causing further damage.

Treatment

Treatment for summer sores involves killing the larvae and treating the sores to prevent secondary infection. This usually involves the use of ivermectin, a common anti-parasitic drug, and topical treatments such as fly repellents and wound ointments. In severe cases, surgical removal of the larvae may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of summer sores involves controlling the fly population and regularly deworming the horse to kill any larvae before they can cause an infection. This can be achieved through the use of fly traps, fly sprays, and regular cleaning of the horse's environment to remove potential breeding sites for flies.

See also

• Equine parasitology
• Horse care
• Fly control in horses

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