As the weather warms, flies become a concern, especially for horses with sweet itch, a distressing condition for both horse and owner. Naturally free horses have grazing areas, shelter, water, and shade to avoid biting flies. However, domestication has changed their behavior, and many horses in the UK are kept outside during Spring and Summer, reducing access to shelters. This correlates with an increase in biting insects, affecting horses’ foraging behavior.
Flies can cause allergic dermatitis, known as sweet itch, leading to secondary infections. Biting insects locate their hosts through chemical signals like carbon dioxide, ammonia, ketones, and phenols. Management strategies include stabling during high-risk periods, using fly sheets or rugs, and applying fly sprays.
Image/priority images/blog images/Horslyx garlic flies image V2
Garlic, Allium sativum, has been used for centuries and is believed to repel insects by masking chemical signals. Concerns about Heinz body anaemia (HBA) arise with garlic feeding, but studies show that harmful levels are much higher than typical supplement doses.
Horslyx Garlic Balancer contains garlic oil, linseed oil, and antioxidants to support the immune system and skin condition. It promotes a natural feeding pattern, providing continuous fly deterrence. Research from Aberystwyth University found that horses using Horslyx Garlic Balancer had 64.5% fewer flies landing on them and showed reduced sweet itch symptoms.
Image/priority images/blog images/090A6075.jpg
References:
- Duncan, P. and Vinge, N. (1979). The effect of group size in horses on the rate of attacks by bloodsucking flies. Animal Behaviour, 27, 623–625.
- Cooper, J.J. and Albentosa, M.J. (2005). Behavioural adaptation in the domestic horse. Livestock Production Science, 92, 177-182.
- Hotchkiss, J.W., Reid, S.W.J. and Christley, R.M. (2007). A survey of horse owners in Great Britain. Equine veterinary journal, 39, 294-300.
- McElligott, P.E. and Galloway, T.D. (1991). Seasonal distribution and parity of host-seeking horse flies. The Canadian Entomologist, 123(2), 361-370.
- Mayes, E. and Duncan, P. (1986). Temporal patterns of feeding behaviour in free-ranging horses. Behaviour, 96(1-2), 105-129.
- Mellor, P.S. and McCaig, J. (1974). The probable cause of sweet itch in England. Veterinary Record, 95(18), 411-415.
- Schaffartzik, A., et al. (2012). Equine insect bite hypersensitivity. Veterinary immunology and immunopathology, 147(3-4), 113-126.
- Logan, J.G. and Birkett, M.A. (2007). Semiochemicals for biting fly control. Pest Management Science, 63(7), 647-657.
- Rendle, D. (2014). Managing insect bite hypersensitivity in horses. Livestock, 19(5), 304-308.
- Rivlin, R.S. (2001). Historical perspective on the use of garlic. The Journal of nutrition, 131(3), 951S-954S.
- Doty, R.L. (1981). Odor perception in humans and animals. Journal of Comparative Physiology, 143(2), 161-166.
- Pearson, W., et al. (2005). Garlic-induced Heinz body anaemia in horses. Journal of Animal Science, 83(3), 700-708.
