In Fine Feather?

Lustrous lower leg hair can harbour unwelcome visitors at this time of year. Nadine Page MRCVS offers advice on mite management

- Nadine Page

FEATHER mites are among the most stubborn of parasites, causing a condition commonly called heel mange. This typically affects heavily feathered breeds such as cobs, Shires, Clydesdales and Friesians, and some of the hairier ponies.

The mite responsible is Chorioptes, which tends to cause greatest trouble in winter when horses spend more time indoors. Dwelling on the surface of the skin, these mites can live off their host in the stable environment for more than two months and are thought to survive for longer in straw bedding than shavings.

Classic horse behaviour that signals their presence includes stamping of the hooves, and biting and rubbing at the backs of the legs. Irritation is usually low down around the pastern and fetlock area, although it will occasionally spread further up towards the back of the knees. While both front and hindlegs can be affected, the condition is more common in the hindlegs.