Sweet itch is a chronic allergic skin condition in horses causing intense pruritus and self-trauma. Effective management dramatically improves quality of life for affected animals.
Sweet itch causes genuine and intense suffering that significantly impairs quality of life during affected seasons. The pruritus is described by behavioral indicators as severe — horses rub themselves raw on fences, trees, and stable walls, causing lesions that themselves become painful. The chronicity of the condition (recurring every summer for the horse lifetime) means cumulative welfare impairment is substantial. Effective management is available and combining multiple strategies produces better results than any single approach: barrier protection through rugs, housing at peak midge activity times, insect repellent products, and medication when needed. Horses with well-managed sweet itch can have excellent welfare despite the condition; those receiving no management experience prolonged seasonal suffering that is entirely preventable.