A review on the treatment and control of ectoparasite infestations in equids

Abstract

Ectoparasites infestations are a growing concern to horse owners and equine veterinarians alike. Ectoparasites cause significant health and welfare issues and can potentially can serve as vectors for a variety of pathogens. The prevalence of ectoparasites increases around the world, and especially in horses information on the successful prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations in scarce and in many instances anecdotal. This poses a challenge to the equine veterinarian and off‐label use of drugs can lead to detrimental effects in horses. In this review we describe the current available evidence for the prevention and treatment of ectoparasite infestations in horses. Only a very limited number of products is approved for the use in horses and fortunately many of the other products that are used in an off‐label manner appear to be safe in horses. Future research in this area should aim at providing PK/PD modelling data to assure appropriate and safe dose regimen to prevent and treat ectoparasite infestations in horses.

Does housing system affect horse welfare? The AWIN welfare assessment protocol applied to horses kept in an outdoor group-housing system: The ‘parcours’

“…It should, however, be noted that only a limited number of products are currently approved for treatment of ectoparasites in horses, meaning that these products should be used judiciously with special emphasis on the safety of these products for horses, people and the environment (Karasek et al . 2020 ). Superficial lesions may be caused by scratches from branches or rocks, or through aggressive interactions with other horses.…”

Susceptibility of Amblyomma sculptum, Vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, Ticks from a National Park and an Experimental Farm to Different Synthetic Acaricides

“…Thus, the most common strategy to control A. sculptum in Brazil is the application of synthetic acaricides among horses between April and October [10,11], when the immature stages predominate [6]. The most frequently used acaricides on horses are pyrethroids, organophosphates and their combinations, but the emergence of acaricide resistance in horse ticks is a current concern [12].…”