Horses and dogs often suffer from ticks, grass mites, horse flies and other pests during the beautiful summer months. Another parasite, however, is much less well known: the deer louse fly (Lipotena cervi). Today, our veterinary practitioner Angelica explains the characteristics of this annoying parasite, why bites can be dangerous and how best to deal with them.
What you should know about the deer louse fly
The appearance of the deer louse fly is reminiscent of a large flat tick with wings. Only on closer inspection do you recognize the pronounced pointed proboscis and the strikingly strong hooks on all six legs. The deer louse fly is reddish-brown and grows up to 6 mm in size. The annoying pests can normally be found in their habitat, the forest, from the beginning of the summer season until October. Due to the mild winters, the occurrence of the parasites can increase.
You can spot the deer louse fly in oak, pine or sometimes mixed forests. This insect actually specializes in roe deer and other deer species, wild boar and similar forest dwellers. It prefers to lie in wait for them in damp forest areas. Once the deer louse fly has bitten, the parasite remains on the host. The female louse lays her larvae, which later pupate on the ground. In very cold winter months, these larvae are unable to survive. Warmth in turn favors their spread.
Why is the deer louse fly dangerous for horses and dogs?
All animal owners are afraid of ticks, but the deer louse fly should not be underestimated. Like all bloodsuckers, this insect is also a carrier of dreaded bacteria and possible diseases. That's why you should know exactly how the deer louse fly bites.
How and who do deer louse flies bite?
Deer louse flies virtually attack their victims. In search of a suitable host, they first buzz around humans or animals. In the case of us humans - forestry workers and forest walkers are usually the most affected - they prefer the hair and neck. Once they have landed, they lose their wings in a very short time - this is a special feature of the deer louse fly. They then move extremely quickly flat on the skin and hook themselves in a suitable place.
If the deer louse fly flies around a dog, it will often settle in places under the belly, on the inner thighs and in the anus area. If you have a long-haired dog, it will be exposed to deer louse fly attacks all over its body. In horses, the parasites also use the area around the anus, but also the mane for their blood meal. We humans hardly notice the stings of the deer louse fly, but dogs and horses sometimes react as if they have been "bitten". In horses, this can lead to nervous or panicked behavior. Both animals then bite and scratch themselves repeatedly at the bite sites. The croup/tail is particularly affected in horses. In general, you can observe great restlessness in your pet after a bite.
If you have ever had a deer louse fly yourself, you know what it feels like. You can feel them crawling, but they are so fast that you often can't get hold of them. People with long hair are particularly affected. Before you get all nervous about the crawling, it's best to jump in the shower quickly - that's when the deer louse flies are rinsed away at the latest.
Serious consequences of deer louse fly bites
The bite marks swell up. They resemble a bruise and are just as painful. The bumps also cause persistent and severe itching. Unfortunately, even more serious consequences can occur: Skin rashes in the form of pustules and edema or suppuration. The degradation process of the venom takes several days, as it has to be removed via the lymph glands.
However, the real danger of the deer louse fly lies in the transmission of a bacterium. In 2001, an unknown bacterium was discovered by a biologist in Schönbuch, a local recreation area near Stuttgart. This led to fever and purulent diseases of the fur of deer and roe deer. It was named 'Bartonella schoenbuchensis' after the place where it was found. It has since been proven that this bacterium also causes the dangerous symptoms in other animals, such as horses and dogs. It is suspected that humans can develop heart inflammation as a result of the bite. However, a 100% connection has not yet been scientifically proven.
How do horses and dogs get rid of deer louse flies?
The deer louse fly moves extremely fast on the skin, much faster than any tick. It is therefore not easy to catch them. However, if you can feel them, you should be very quick. A flea or nit comb can also help to get the annoying pests out of your pet's coat. If the infestation is already at an advanced stage and your horse may even refuse any approach from you, you can resort to the radical spraying method and use a water hose to get the deer louse fly out of the nest it has made. You can cool the bite marks to relieve your horse's pain and itching. In severe cases, if the above symptoms are severe, you should consider giving your horse an anti-allergy medication. It is then advisable to consult a vet or veterinary practitioner.
Preventive behavior against deer louse flies
Nobody needs to panic when they see a deer louse fly, as they may or may not be a carrier of the diseases mentioned. Nevertheless, it makes sense to protect yourself and your pet from their attacks. You can do this, for example, with the Horsefly Ex Spray for horses or the Spot On for dogs. This is a natural way to prevent deer louse fly bites. The AniForte Flea-Ex Spray for dogs and cats works in the same way and is very effective at repelling parasites.
Humans are not the preferred hosts of the deer louse fly and infections are therefore quite rare. Nevertheless, you should keep a close eye on any abnormalities in your pet when out riding or walking. If you notice places in a wooded area where the deer louse fly prefers to fly, you can avoid them for the next few weeks. Especially in the months from August to October, it is easier to avoid this parasite because it is not active everywhere in the forest. If you know your animal and the behavior of the deer louse fly well, you have the best tools to protect yourself from the pests.
Now I'm curious: Have you already had to deal with the deer louse fly? How were you able to get rid of them? Tell us about it in the comments.
I wish all horse and dog owners a wonderful summer,
Your Helene
