Posted 2008-06-25 6:18 AM (#86307) Subject: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
Has anyone used Prairie Pride Feed's Rabon Pressed Block? It's a free choice supplement block that contains (among other things) Tetrachlorvinophos which is supposed to control house, stable and horn fly populations by killing larvae in the manure.
No one around these parts is familiar with this product and I was wondering if anyone has had good, bad, or indifferent results. I'd also like to know if there are any adverse side effects or possible toxicity to horses from this feed-through pesticide. I have tried to research it, but can only find reference to use in cattle (other than what the label says).Any information would be very much appreciated.Thanks
Posted 2008-06-25 6:34 AM (#86308 - in reply to #86307) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
Ok, I just read some information about how the active ingredient is highly toxic to kids and animals if not handled properly - but this was pertaining to topical applications like powders and flea collars for dogs (absorbed through the skin) - so if it's toxic through the skin, it must be toxic to ingest? This is so confusing.
Posted 2008-06-25 1:00 PM (#86336 - in reply to #86307) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Veteran
Posts: 148 Location: South of Dallas
I wasn't too impressed the time I fed one. I don't think I saw that much of a difference. I decided on alternate methods instead of having to worry about the toxicity to all the pets and getting it on me. Mine use their blocks for toys and roll them around the pasture or for foot stands. The little guy always has his feet on something!
Posted 2008-06-25 10:41 PM (#86379 - in reply to #86339) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Expert
Posts: 1877 Location: NY
I read that some of the feed thought fly-control stuff can make older horse very sick. I think I read ed it on equine .com not sure of that, but I am sure I read that about the fly stuff
Posted 2008-06-26 5:30 AM (#86392 - in reply to #86307) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Veteran
Posts: 270 Location: Roanoke IL
It takes a long time for it to build up in their system. You need to be feeding that salt lick a couple months before fly season to notice any difference. Flies can travel long distances, so unless your neighbors are feeding their horses/sheep/cattle a fly preventative, then their flies will just head on over to your place. Don't waste the money, and don't put chemicals in your horse. Just my opinion.
Posted 2008-06-26 6:21 AM (#86393 - in reply to #86307) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Veteran
Posts: 243 Location: Maine
Yes, I have heard these feed through fly controls don't work unless everyone in the area is doing it. Fortunately for me, mine are the only horses in a 3-mile radius.
But, I think I am going to toss this block in the dumpster. I talked to my vet, he said, yes, the stuff is approved for horses - but he said, "if it was my horse, I wouldn't use it."
Thanks for the info on the older horses - I was not aware of that. I have a 23 y.o. who is in excellent condition, and I have an 18 y.o. with weight issues as well as melanomas. I don't think I want to use anything that would compromise the health of these, or any of my younger horses.
On second thought, maybe I shouldn't put it in the dumpster, I wouldn't want it to end up in a landfill.
Posted 2008-06-26 8:38 AM (#86399 - in reply to #86393) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I went for a ride with a friend who lives 3-4 miles away last night. While saddling up, I noticed her fly traps where full of buzzing flies.
I have not seen any flies around my horses yet this season. And was thinking it was early enough in the year that they hadn't really reproduced and got going yet. But here I was looking at a couple of bottles full of flies not all that far from my home.
I do use the fly predators and I have been feeding a bug off product that includes garlic, grape seed and Diatomaceous earth. Maybe one or the combination of both has been working. There was a big difference in fly populations between our two corrals. Now I still have mosquitos and small gnats. But no face or barn flies.
This doesn't answer your question about rabon blocks. But I do believe that some products will reduce your personal fly problems. yes flies will travel a 1/2 mile from your neighbor place to yours. Nothing will stop that.
Posted 2008-06-26 5:25 PM (#86442 - in reply to #86308) Subject: RE: Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by barstow on 2008-06-25 7:34 AM
Ok, I just read some information about how the active ingredient is highly toxic to kids and animals if not handled properly - but this was pertaining to topical applications like powders and flea collars for dogs (absorbed through the skin) - so if it's toxic through the skin, it must be toxic to ingest? This is so confusing.
It is also an issue of no control over dosing...Whereas something like Equitrol is dispensed based on weight of animal...
Rabon pressed block for Fly Control - anyone know anything?
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