Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine August 2020 Vol 5 Issue 3

Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine ®

Officials encourage livestock owners and veterinarians to call authorities at the destination for import requirements prior to travel. Veterinarians in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science recommended four areas to reduce VSV risk. Neighborhood : Rotate pastures to avoid grazing during periods of water’s base flow just following peak runoff. Move horses to higher-elevation pastures during high-vector seasons. Place propane- fueled insect traps that emit insect-attracting carbon dioxide, between insects’ breeding habitat and horses’ location. Premises : Provide a run-in shed that horses can use to escape insects. Remove manure regularly to reduce insect habitat. Develop good drainage around water sources to minimize habitat for water- and mud-loving insects. Keep vegetation short to minimize insects’ favored breeding and living areas. Manage irrigation to minimize pooled water and mud in fields. Shelter : Keep animals indoors during insects’ active feeding periods. Install mesh nets on barn doors and windows. Mount downward-blowing fans to keep insects off horses. Minimize bright insect-attracting lights at night. Animal : Apply topical repellents and insecticides with the understanding that they aren’t equally effective on all insect species. Use protective horse wear such as fly sheets, leg wraps, fly masks, and ear nets. Reduce exposure to the parts of the horse’s body that biting insects favor most: belly, legs, flanks, hindquarters, and ears.

Information about VSV is available at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, or by calling 785-564-6601.

Use disease-prevention steps at all livestock and horse events, including sales, rodeos, shows, and fairs.

Everything Horses and Livestock® | August 2020 | EHALmagazine.com 16