Sweet itch causes intense, chronic itching in susceptible horses and can severely compromise quality of life. Management requires a multi-pronged approach.
Sweet itch causes some of the most visibly distressing welfare impacts seen in equine medicine. Affected horses show frantic, compulsive rubbing behaviour that causes self-inflicted wounds to the mane, tail, and belly — the areas most exposed to midge bites. The psychological distress associated with unrelieved intense pruritus is significant, and affected animals may be unable to rest, graze, or behave normally during high midge activity periods. Management is challenging and requires sustained year-round commitment: appropriate rugging before dawn and after dusk, stabling during peak midge activity times, application of suitable repellents, and strategic housing away from standing water and woodland. The welfare burden on inadequately managed sweet itch horses is substantial and avoidable with appropriate care.