Horse Sweet Itch: Welfare and Management

Sweet itch is a hypersensitivity to midge bites causing intense itching and self-trauma in susceptible horses, requiring proactive management throughout the midge season.

Key Facts

Sweet itch (equine insect bite hypersensitivity) is caused by an immune reaction to Culicoides midge saliva.
Up to 5% of horses in northern Europe are affected, with prevalence higher in certain breeds.
Affected horses rub mane and tail regions intensely, causing hair loss, skin thickening, and open wounds.
Culicoides midges are most active at dawn, dusk, and in calm, warm conditions near water.
There is no cure; management focuses on reducing midge exposure and managing symptoms.

Welfare Considerations

Sweet itch causes intense, chronic itching that significantly reduces quality of life during the midge season from spring to autumn. Affected horses can cause severe self-trauma seeking relief from the itching sensation. Management requires a multi-pronged approach combining physical midge barriers through full-body sweet itch rugs, stabling during peak midge activity, application of insect repellents, and in severe cases immunotherapy or medication. The condition requires long-term commitment and veterinary partnership.

What You Can Do

Use full-body insect barrier rugs designed for sweet itch management during midge season.
Stable affected horses at dawn and dusk when Culicoides midge activity peaks.
Apply veterinary-recommended insect repellents to areas not covered by rugs.
Consult your vet about immunotherapy if conventional management is insufficient.
Avoid grazing near water bodies where midge populations are highest.