When we think about ridding our dogs, cats, horses and other livestock of pests like fleas, ticks and flies, we are usually thinking more of their comfort than protecting them from life-threatening diseases.  But many of the most common insects that plague them can actually be a grave threat to both the animal and to our families.  Insect control around the home and barn can both save your pocket book and help prevent some really nasty diseases.

These are the top four disease carrying insects that you are likely to encounter and what types of disease and/or parasites they can transmit to both humans and animals.

Mosquitoes

• West Nile Virus
• Malaria
• Dengue Fever
• Heartworms
• Eastern & Western Equine Encephalitis
• Yellow Fever

Ticks

• Lyme Disease
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Fleas

• Tapeworms
• Bartonellosis
• Anemia

Flies

• Typhoid Fever
• Cholera
• Dysentery
• Anthrax
• Gastroenteritis
• Conjunctivitis
• Pigeon Fever
• Bot Fly Larvae

When I worked at the veterinary clinic as a vet tech, I encountered many animals afflicted by some of the things mentioned above.  From dogs and cats so completely covered by fleas or ticks that they had to be given blood transfusions, to horses with eye infections from the fly larvae growing in their tear ducts.  But nothing pained me more than to see dogs come into the clinic who tested positive for heartworms.  I can’t even tell you how many times people said that they didn’t even realize that heartworms were transmitted by mosquito bites.  They thought that by bringing their dog in each year for the heartworm test, they were doing everything they needed to do.  When they learned the cost of the heartworm treatment and the severity of the condition, they were devastated.

So many of these things are very easily preventable with the use of common sense pest control.  There are many very effective natural products out there that can help you accomplish this goal if you are of that mind.  And of course, there is a wide variety of chemical-based products available.  Regardless of which camp you are in, insect control is an extremely important part of animal care and the prevention of disease.

The information in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any condition or illness.  Nor is it meant replace proper veterinary care. It is meant for educational purposes only.  Always consult your chosen veterinary professional before starting your horse or other animal on any therapy.  

Lisa Carter is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist (CEMT), with multiple certifications from several different equine bodywork schools.  She incorporates her knowledge and experience with Parelli Natural Horsemanship, equine bodywork, using essential oils for animals and as a veterinary technician to provide her clients with the resources they need to make informed decisions for their horses.  She encourages and facilitates network building between equine health care professionals, working together to find the best combination of therapies to meet the needs of the “whole horse”.

Are you ready to get better results with your horse?  Put your equine health care team to work so you and your horse can be doing what you were meant to.  Click here to get started!