Sweet itch has a significant heritable component, raising important welfare-focused breeding considerations for affected breeds and populations.
The genetic component of sweet itch creates a responsibility for breeders to consider welfare across generations. Breeding from severely affected horses increases the probability that offspring will inherit the same susceptibility, condemning them to years of seasonal suffering. While no simple breeding solution currently exists, breed societies increasingly recognize the importance of reducing the frequency of sweet itch susceptibility through responsible selection. Supporting research into the genetics of Culicoides hypersensitivity advances both welfare and breeding science.