Skin diseases, and in particular those caused by ectoparasites, are extremely common in horses around the world.
Apart from causing superficial irritation (both physically and behaviourally), some of these ectoparasites are capable of transmitting infectious agents and causing hypersensitivity reactions or toxic reactions, and even death, if exposure is overwhelming.
Ectoparasites are ubiquitous and found in most places where horses and other livestock live. Increasing international movement of animals makes it important for veterinarians to be able to anticipate, recognise, and treat ectoparasitic conditions early, thereby preventing spread of such diseases.