Feather Mites

[Kat]

How contagious are they?

What precautions would you take if you were moving your horse into a stable previously occupied by one with feather mites?

 

[hayinamanger]

If I were you, I would buy a can of household flea spray, Vetcem Acclaim or Indorect (sp). Assuming all bedding has been removed, spray the entire box. Wear a mask and get it into every nook,crack and cranny. Shut the box up for a few hours, or overnight would be preferable. Brilliant stuff, kills everything that crawls, flys or hops.

 

[Kat]

It is American barn stabling and the neighbouring stables are occupied. I guess that wouldn't be safe in those circumstances.

Maybe I need to rethink.

 

[Maisy]

I don't think they can be that contagious....I have one who suffers, and she is kept in close proximity to 3 who don't.....she just has big fluffy feathers....!!

I assume you are using fresh bedding? I would just wash the stable out with jeyes fluid, leave it to dry and then put your new bed down.....

 

[Kat]

That would be possible. She isn't feathery but wouldn't want to take any chances.

 

[Twinkley Lights]

Smother her legs in pig oil for first few days? They are really tricky to get rid of

 

[Ali2]

My cob and ISH swapped stables so I could get the cob off straw and on to wood pellets (his stable was no use for pellets as wall is wet and pellets suck the moisture through - waiting for the dry spring to dry the wall out so we can treat it!). ISH has had no mite problems.

I'd not worry too much but would remove all bedding and perhaps spray down with an insecticide or dust with diatomaceous earth to dessicate.