The equine industry makes up a major portion of the Pennsylvania economy, contributing $3.3 billion to the state economy and supporting over 60,000 jobs. Unfortunately, horses are susceptible to tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and equine anaplasmosis, both of which have long-term impacts on a horse's overall health and performance. To maintain healthy horse populations, horses should be protected against ticks and tick-borne diseases and owners should be informed of improved tick control practices. With funding from the Penn State Science 2 Practice Grant, we assessed the knowledge and attitudes of equine caretakers and veterinarians and evaluated permethrin as a tick control option for horses.
Permethrin efficacy & safety on horses for tick control
We evaluated the safety of repeated applications of permethrin concentrations (0% control, 1.5%, 5%, and 10%) to the necks and faces of horses and assessed the efficacy and longevity of permethrin as an equine tick repellent. In this project, we also developed a standardized on-animal repellent testing method.
Perceptions & attitudes towards equine ticks and tick-borne diseases
Equine caretakers and veterinarians play important roles in preventing tick bites and tick-borne diseases in their equine clients. A nationwide survey was administered to equine caretakers and veterinarians to assess their knowledge about ticks, TBDs, tick control, tick infestation, and tick information availability. This will allow Extension and education developers to form more targeted education and comprehensive information campaigns to prevent tick-borne illnesses in horses.
Relevant Papers:
Machtinger, E.T., Smarsh, D., Kenny, L., Poh, K.C., Orr-Gissinger, E. Kirkland, B., and Springer, H. 2023. Equine veterinarian knowledge and perceptions of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the United States. Equine Veterinary Education. Accepted.