Equestrian Days - 17-Year Cicada's

The 17 - Year Cicada's

According to Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, Richie Farmer, the arrival of the 17 - year Cicada should not cause any harm to your horses, or other animals for that matter. The major concern in agriculture is the affect the Cicada's will have on vineyards and fruit trees.

According to Commissioner Farmer, "the real damage will come from the cicadas' laying eggs. The secondary damage will also occur after the hatching, as nyumphs feed on sap from plant roots during their lengthy stay below ground."

Bruce Webb, PhD, and entomologist at University of Kentucky, who has researched the link between Eastern Tent Catapillars and mare repoductive loss syndrome says "This is a non-event from a horse perspective. Of course, I would have said the same thing about tent caterpillars five years ago, but we truly have not even the slightest hing that the cicadas will do anything bad to any animal - other then to perhaps startle them occasionally."

This year, the Periodical Cicadas' are expected to be seen in DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WVA . Though not all regions in these states will see the periodials, they may see their annual cousins.
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Information for this article are from thehorse.com article Cicadas are Coming-But shouldn't Affect Horses and Encarta encylopedia 2004
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Michelle Sepelak has been raising horses for 4 years on her property in Middle TN. Though she have always held a high regard and a long-lasting love for these animals, she recently started getting more involved in the equine world.

Michelle also owns and operates Equestrian Days. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter that will keep you informed of new articles, products and reviews on the web!

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