Transmissible Diseases, also known as Contagious Diseases, are those which are commonly spread from one infected individual to another, usually of the same species, but also frequently of another species. This occurs because of direct physical contact, but it also occurs from indirect physical contact. For example, if a person with a cold or flu sneezes near you, that is an example of indirect physical contact. However, if you touch the other person, and they have the virus on their hands or elsewhere on their body, that would be direct physical contact.

Transmissible diseases are also spread from one individual to another by the infected victim contaminating food or water, which is then consumed by the next unfortunate victim.

However, there is a third kind of individual, known as a “vector”, who can transmit diseases caused by micoörganisms (viruses and bacteria).

A common disease-carrying vector are insects. For example, mosquitoes transmit Malaria. A more common example are the diseases carried by flies.

Flies, attracted to the nasal discharge or tears or even saliva of an infected individual can inadvertently transmit disease-causing micoörganisms to other perfectly healthy individuals.

For horse owners this is often true during outbreaks of such common diseases as equine influenza and strangles.

Obviously, the disease in question may be prevented by vaccination. However, there are other preventative measures that are important.

For example, flies, including the common Stable Fly, are inevitably attracted to the nasal discharge of equines suffering from such communicable diseases. So further disease prevention can require the elimination, or, at least, sever reduction in such insects.

Controlling flies and other insect pests in the stable can involve many techniques. Examples include pesticides, keeping the premises free of manure and other wastes that attract flies, insect repellant sprays, fly traps and screens, the use of Fly Predators to destroy the fly larvae before they hatch, and even the use of Fly Traps to trap the insects that land on such adhesive products.

Reducing the population of such insect pests can help prevent horses from acquiring serious diseases, reduce discomfort, and making the stable a more desirable environment for both the animals, and the people who associate with them.