HORSE HEALTH
FIGHTING FLIES
by Emily Girard
Stable flies cause approximately $2 billion in damages to the agricultural industry every year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They also carry diseases such as anthrax, equine infectious anemia, and anaplasmosis. Not surprisingly, entomologists and equine wellness professionals are developing methods to keep flies and other pests away from horses. “It’s important for people to start the fly-prevention process appropriately so that they get the right management tools in place,” said Dr. Sonja Swiger, a professor in the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology and extension specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Integrated Pest Management Swiger said the most effective system is integrated pest management. This involves deterring and attacking pests based on their biology and specific needs—for example, controlling where pests congregate. “When we’re dealing with mosquitoes, obviously water is a huge part of that. We need to figure out where those water sources are,” she explained. “When we’re dealing with house flies and stable flies, we’re going to be dealing more with a manure consistency or leftover vegetation from mowing and not composting appropriately.” USEF specifically recommends keeping stalls clean, clearing damp areas, not dumping soiled bedding near barns, and installing window screens. Swiger’s colleagues also research fly predators—parasitoid wasps that attack fly larvae. “They are really efficient at managing many of these fly species,” she said. “They’re not always super effective in pasture situations, but they work really great around barns.” Additionally, new research is being done to increase effectiveness of fly deterrents. Dr. Junwei “Jerry” Zhu, a lead scientist in the USDA’s Agricultural Research Services, recently found fatty acids in coconut oil to be an effective fly repellent. “Right now, the biggest problem for natural products is they’re short-lived, so they only last about six hours or eight hours max. These coconut fatty acids from our lab test can last for two weeks,” Zhu said. 44 SUMMER ISSUE 2023
Top: Innovations in protection from flies include textiles or fabric treatments that can deter flies, such as Horseware Ireland’s No-Fly Zone™ technology. Inset: Flies can be more than a nuisance around your horse and barn. They also can carry diseases such as anthrax, equine infectious anemia, and anaplasmosis.
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HORSEWARE IRELAND, ROBERT KRESSE/UNSPLASH
The arsenal against flies includes reliable go-to products, and there are innovations in the pipeline, too. Your best bet: an integrated approach.