The Bot: More Than a Pest
Bots Flies are common in most stables. Often swatted at, but rarely hit, they are a pest poorly tolerated by horse and owner. Bot flies can be much more than just pests, however. The annoyance and distraction they cause can interfere with feeding and affect nutrition. The migration of bot larvae under the skin in mucous membranes causes lesions that may provide openings for infection. Flies also carry diseases that can seriously harm your horse’s health and performance. Without treatment, bots can cause severe damage in the stomach and intestine of your horse.
Signs of Bot Infestation
Horses that show no outward signs of illness can be severely infested, giving no clue to damage occurring inside. However, some horses do show signs of infestation, including an inflamed mouth area and stomach irritation. Infestation with bot larvae may cause ulcers in the stomach lining. If the infestation is severe, the opening from the stomach to the intestines may be blocked, which can cause irritation, ulcers and even colic. The burrowing larvae can cause small tears in the skin, which can become infected.
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Treatment for Bots
There are two methods to control bots, both are important.
1. Keep an eye out for bot eggs on your horse’s coat (typically the legs and chest area). If you see eggs, use a bot knife to remove them. This will reduce the amount of bots the horse ingests.
2. In addition, horses are traditionally treated for bots in the fall, after a frost that kills the adult flies laying eggs. A product containing ivermectin is the most recommended treatment. Beyond its unsurpassed bot control, ivermectin is a great treatment to handle any remaining summer parasites and related conditions. In areas with heavy bot problems, additional review for deworming may be appropriate in the late summer/early fall time as well. Parasite control needs can vary by farms and within farms. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.
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