Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), also known as Sweet Itch, is an allergic skin disease in horses which presents as extreme itching and in turn damages the skin. Good skin health is important for the horse as the skin has several vital roles, including acting as a barrier to external challenges, helping to control body temperature, and also helping to make Vitamin D.
Pony suffering badly from Sweet Itch
What is Sweet Itch?
Sweet Itch is a skin allergy caused by a reaction to the saliva of the Culicoides species of midges. Horses with this condition typically suffer with severe itching from about March to October in the UK, when midges are active.
The irritation can cause the horse to rub and scratch the affected areas intensely, which can lead to patchy hair loss, sores and scabs. The mane and top third of the tail are the most common areas affected (Björnsdóttir et al., 2006). The abdomen, head, side of the body, and chest can also be affected, although to a lesser extent.
Hypersensitivity to the midge can be categorised into two allergies posing different reactions. Some horses may react immediately and often present in hives, whereas others (more commonly) have a delayed reaction causing itching to particular areas of the body, however some horses may have symptoms of both.
A vet will diagnose the condition following an examination which includes dermatologic testing. A of yet, cure has not been found despite ongoing research, however there are treatments for severe cases which include topical corticosteroids and systemic antihistamines.
How to manage your horse's Sweet Itch
- If you know your horse has previously suffered with sweet itch, it is important to start taking precautions early in the season.
- Avoid turning out between dawn and dusk when midges are most active.
- If possible, turn your horses out away from water source. Midges typically like to breed in a damp environment, so they are often more common by ponds and streams.
- Midges thrive on droppings. Therefore, poo-picking your horse’s fields should be a regular practice.
- Many owners of sweet-itch sufferers use a Boett ‘sweet-itch rug’. These rugs (pictured below) are designed with a fine mesh to prevent the midge from coming into direct contact with the horse, effectively acting as a barrier. Fly rugs will also help if you do not have access to a Boett rug.
- Fly repellents sprayed over the horse, particularly in sensitive areas such as the chest and the flanks can be useful in deterring midges from biting.
- A balanced diet can be very beneficial as it will help support optimal skin health for your horse.
If you suspect your horse is suffering with sweet itch or irritated skin, please seek veterinary advice on how best to treat the condition.
Example of a Boett rug
For any advice or questions you may have, please don't hesitate to reach out to our expert nutrition team. You can call 0800 585525 Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. Email [email protected], or send us a DM on social media.