The problems associated with the increase of Midges and Mosquitos
All the wet weather has bought added hazards to our animal population apart from the obvious.
The increase in the insect population will impact immediately, and in the future, in a number of ways for different species.

CATTLE - While we have seen a temporary dip in the number of ticks we have an increase in flies and midges. Bovine Ephemeral Fever, commonly known as three-day has hit with a vengeance.  The severity of this disease directly correlates with the number of insects carrying the disease biting the animal.  Increases in numbers sees an increase in the disease in both severity and prevalence.  3-day appears similar to flu in humans with cattle having a "shifting lameness" as different joints ache and experience high temperatures.  It most commonly affects "teenage" stock but can appear in any age group.  The animals need shade, heaps of water (as they dehydrate with the high temperature), feed, and a visit by a vet to get a confirmed diagnosis.  They can then be prescribed medication to take their temperature down and make them feel better - so they will get to their feet and eat and drink unaided.
HORSES - Many of you will have seen or own horses plagued with midge bites and some of you will also have the misfortune of having an animal susceptible to Queensland itch.  There is no easy solution.  Many topical applications to prevent bites are washed off with the next shower or are very short lived.  Rugging and persistent treatments with preventative measures that work in your situation will help keep things under control.  One day, hopefully, someone will come up with a sure fire remedy to this horrible problem.
Mosquitoes, as we all know, carry diseases, and therefore with their increased numbers there will be an increase in these diseases.  Firstly horses are susceptible to Ross River. This can be confirmed with a blood test if suspected.
More troubling is that they carry heartworm that will affect dogs and cats and we will not see the results of this infection for many months.  This is fatal.  This is also preventable, so ensure your pet is on some sort of heartworm prevention.
With any of the above we are always more than happy to talk to you and help you resolve any problems so feel free to call us.
Cheers from all at Dayboro Vets.