Sarcoids

[Spit That Out]

I was just having a chat with a yard friend yesterday and she was talking about Sarcoids.
I thought they were genetic but she said there was new research saying they were spread by flies.
Has anyone else heard of this new research?
If they are spread by files can they also be spread by grooming equipment, general contact between horses or humans etc or does it have to be a fluid transfer?
She has two horses one of which has a couple of Sarcoids and her other which until about a year ago never had one and the vet said they were probably spread by the flies. When the flies bite they transfer the virus.
Does anyone know about Sarcoids?

 

[UnaB]

From what i understand the virus causing them is spread by the flies, but the horse has to have a lowered immunity to get them anyway, and that is genetic.

So, it doesnt mean that any horse bitten by a fly carrying the virus will get sarcoids, but those without the strong immunity to the virus may well.

 

[Spit That Out]

Thanks UnaB for replying.

Just another thing for me to be neurotic about

 

[hairycob]

I believe that the latest thinking is you need 3 things to come together - genetic susceptibility, infection with the bovine papilloma virus (spread by flies) & a wound site (which can be as small as a thorn prick).

 

[thinlizzy]

Thanks UnaB for replying.

Just another thing for me to be neurotic about

ditto, ill be another neurotic horse person