What seasonal pattern is associated with cutaneous habronemiasis in affected horses?

Cutaneous habronemiasis in horses is primarily associated with the activity of muscid flies, which are responsible for transmitting the infectious larvae of Habronema spp. During winter months, the temperatures drop, leading to a reduction in the activity of these flies. The decreased availability of flies significantly limits the chances for horses to be exposed to the larvae, resulting in a seasonal pattern where cases of cutaneous habronemiasis are less common during this time.

In contrast, as temperatures rise in spring, the activity of fly populations typically increases, leading to a higher incidence of cutaneous habronemiasis. This reinforces the understanding that the problem is particularly associated with warmer weather and active fly populations, highlighting the relationship between environmental conditions and parasite transmission.

Understanding this seasonal dynamic is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies in equine populations, emphasizing the significance of monitoring fly activity and implementing control measures as the weather changes.